Page:Dreams and Images.djvu/116

 AUNT MARY

A Christmas Chant

Now, of all the trees by the king's highway, Which do you love the best? O! the one that is green upon Christmas Day, The bush with the bleeding breast. Now the holly with her drops of blood for me: For that is our dear Aunt Mary's tree.

Its leaves are sweet with our Saviour's Name, 'Tis a plant that loves the poor: Summer and winter it shines the same Beside the cottage door. O! the holly with her drops of blood for me: For that is our kind Aunt Mary's tree.

'Tis a bush that the birds will never leave: They sing in it all day long; But sweetest of all upon Christmas Eve Is to hear the robin's song. 'Tis the merriest sound upon earth or sea: For it comes from our own Aunt Mary's tree.

So, of all that grows by the king's highway, I love that tree the best; 'Tis a bower for the birds upon Christmas Day, The bush of the bleeding breast. O! the holly with her drops of blood for me: For that is our sweet Aunt Mary's tree.