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Show -a- , : I wonder could I dare to trace A legend lately told to me, f But when the time, or where the place, Remains in dim obscurity. 'Twas near the merry Christmas time,--f Three smiling boys their father sued -f To grant them, ere' the midnight chimes, " . ' The gifts would suit their various 4- mood. "A hobby-horse with trappings light," 4- One asked, "with flowing mane and tail, v'ith head and eyes so fierce and bright, -f- 'Twould make the very gazer quail." -f "A noisy drum," another claimed; "'Twould set the very house astir, . Delight the comrades whom he named, And make them all so happy, sir." ; -f The fair-haired child of genius, sought A violin of sweetest, sound, -f Whose minstrelsy, by Heaven taught, Might thrill the he-arts of all around. 4- ' ' 4 "Children." the pale mechanic said, -t- Sad gazing on his eager boys, -f- "By toil I scarce can earn my bread, . f How then obtain such costly toys?". f- "Father, you oft have told us how' 4- Jesus came down on Christmas night 4- To bring great gifts, and surely now 4- We well may trust His love ami 4- might." 4- 4- "Father, the infant Jesus, He 4- Can give us all we want or ask; ! 4- And as he loves us, it will be 4- For Him a very easy task. . 4- Dear father, ycu can write so well, 4- Just write-for us-a little line, 4- And all we want. O pray do tell. 4- To us, we know He will incline. ' 4 Tell Him how good we'll strive to 4- grow, 4- And learn our lessons every day, 4- And seek our duty still to know, 4 And naver, never, cease to pray." 4 The father, glad their wish to grant, 4 As he had little to bestow, 4 Wrote that for which their hearts did 4 pant; - And cheerfully he bade them go. 4 ' 4 But oh, what joy. what hope, what 4 bliss, 4 Sparkled in every raptured eye I 4 In humble faith obtaining this, They felt their happiness was nigh. 4 4 But how to post it? posed each head, TliO wind was blowing fresh and f ' high; - ' "The wind will take it up," they said, j 4 "So wo will let the letter fly." 4 r 4 They ope'd the window, kneeling down - They gave It to the winds in trust, 4 Away it Hew, as thistle down; O'er joyed, they scarce could oat 1 f - their crust, - j f " ; Angels watched o'er them, glad to. see J . On earth such simple trust and love; I Bore the rare message far and Tree. ! , And laid it at . the throne above. ' J "Martha, lust raise the window; " see ' V.'hat Is it.stn-.Rgling-to get in? ;.; j h A letter, by wind-jKist, dear me; -t j, V To keep it out would be a sin." k - ! h Te Baron's daughteir.tnok the same, ; , - ........ And wrondering. read it o'er and o'er. 4-Its- high address; the way it came; -f Its earnest faith; she pondered more, 4- The gentle maiden marvelling still, . Thanked her dear . Savior in her 4 heart. .-. -f That he had chosen Her to till 4-For 4-For Him -on earth, so sweet a part. -4- T.ie note informed her where they 4- . dwelt, 4 (Cautions that no mistakes might 4- . come. 'I And she rejoiced with joy heart-felt, 4- To make at least one happy home. 4- 4. 'Twas Christmas eve. to church they 4- weht, 4- 'Assured before the midnight chimes, The things they asked for would be 4- sent. 4- Then oh. w'hat happy, joyful times! 4- -A- The parents' tender hearts were sad, 4-To 4-To think the blight their hopes must 4- know. . t 4- Why should not man be ever glad; 4-Or 4-Or why believe his God so slow? 4- Returning home, they see' a light 4-From 4-From every window sudden gleam; 4-The 4-The children shouted with delight; 4- The house on fire, the children deem. 4- j. They ope'd the door, a cheerful heat 4- Warmed all; the house had lighted -4 been; 4- And on the table such rich treat, , -f As ne'er before their eyes had seen. 4- r . 1 And on. a shining Christmas tree, 4-Wlth 4-Wlth clustered berries, bright and 4-red; 4-red; 4-A 4-A drum and viol might you see. 4-And 4-And horse, with military tread. 4- 4- And many" comforts round were hung 4-For 4-For children, home and parents dear; 4-Surprise.and 4-Surprise.and wonder claimed their 4- tongue, 4-WhoseV.ioy 4-WhoseV.ioy drew forth the sudden 4-tear. 4-tear. 4- - But oh. the joyful sparkling eyes; 4-Bul 4-Bul oh, the full o'erflowing hearts, 4- Where Is the soul that would not prize 4-The 4-The joy such generous act imparts? 4- Whencc all had come; they did not ask; 4. i was ovsus sent 1 at uia Li.ey -y knew, 4. Ever for Him as easy task 4. To keep His promise firm and true. 4- Then down they reverently kr.cel, -r To thank their kind, indulgent Lord, 4. Who all man s sorrows quick doth feel; 4. And ever keeps His promised word. 4. 4- Who ask in faith shall still receive 4-, 4-, Good measure, heaped and flowing 4-o'er, 4-o'er, 4. But let not doubt your soul deceive, 4-Tru$t 4-Tru$t God; ah, trust Him ever more. 4- Needless to tell their happiness. -r Within that humble, little cot; 4- Where want had been, we well may 4- giusi 4- ( . The joy that makes it all forgot. 4- The Baron's daughter from without. -- Peeped In to see the joy displayed; 4- ', And higher bliss' was hers, no doubt, 4- To viewr the happiness she made. 4- 4- And often in the Baron's hall 4. : Thq, good musician. w-ent to play. ' 4. j And peace and plenty on them all, 4- AVc-re showered from that Christmas 4- . day.' .; : . . . i |