Page:Poems for Children Sigourney 1836.pdf/87



Bring wreaths, green wreaths, our joyful hands Their glowing tints shall twine, To celebrate our Saviour's birth, The "Children's Friend" divine, Who drew them to his favouring arms When sterner souls forbade, And kindly on his sheltering breast Their heads reposing laid.

But He, the babe of Bethlehem slept Uncradled and unsought, No joyful bands with songs of praise Sweet buds and blossoms brought, But horned brutes, with heavy tread Their manger's guest survey'd, And stupid oxen watch'd the bed Where Earth's Redeemer laid.

Sister, bring flowers! the winter-rose Shall in our garland bloom