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Show A RtlSSrAN LEGEND. Tb Russian peasants tell today A legend oM and dear to thein, How, when tie wine men went their way To and the babe at Bethlehem. They paused to let their camels rest Beside a peasant's lowly door; And all intent upon their quest They talked their snored errand o'er. "Coine with us," said the eager three; "Come seek with uo the Heavenly Child; What prouder honor can there 1 Kor mortals, sinful and defiled? "And bid earn child iu Sunday clothes . , Bring of his treasures tie most rare, Bundles of myrrh and whitest doves. With oiotment fur the Christ King's hair, ' "Who knows what blessing may befall If they but touch his garment's hem? And only once for t hem mid all Will Christ be born in Bethlehem!" "Alas! I have so much lo do," The mother ans ered with a sigh ; "I cannot journey now with you, But J will follow by and by." ' The wise men frowned aud rode away, Iearing the children all aglow, And pleading through that busy day, "When may we gof When may we go!" And while their cheeks flushed rosy red. They shouted in a chorus sweet, "And may we touch bis pretty head? And may we kiss his blessed feet?" But women still will bake and brew, No matter what sweet honors wait; And petty tasks they still must do, Though angels tarry at the gate! And when the frocks are sewn with lace, And tied with ribbons smart and trim; When each tear stained and tired face Was bathed and tied its bood within; "ft hen the small rooms were cleanly swept And chairs set pruuijr in a row. Betokening a house well kept; Then wearily she turned to go. 1 he sky was purpling in the west, Tho silent night was hurrying on; The three wlsemen had onward pressed, The star from out the east had gone! What could the fouliiih mother do? She turned her footsteps home again; And never, all her cad life through. Did she behold the thrco wise men. Alasl Through weak delaying, she ' Her sweetest privilege bad ralxscU; Nor did her children over seo The Holy Babe they might have kissed. -May Ililey Smith, |