Page:Our American Holidays - Christmas.djvu/212

  As fits the holy Christmas birth, Be this, good friends, our carol still: Be peace on earth, be peace on earth To men of gentle will! 

CHRIST'S NATIVITY

HENRY VAUGHAN

Awake, glad heart! get up and sing! It is the Birthday of thy King. Awake! awake! The sun doth shake Light from his locks, and, all the way Breathing perfumes, doth spice the day.

Awake! awake! hark how th' wood rings, Winds whisper, and the busy springs A concert make! Awake! awake! Man is their high-priest, and should rise To offer up the sacrifice.

I would I were some bird, or star, Fluttering in woods, or lifted far Above this inn, And road of sin! Then either star or bird should be Shining or singing still to thee.

I would I had in my best part Fit rooms for thee! or that my heart 