THE General Literature Committee of the Society for

Promoting Christian Knowledge beg to express their thanks to
the Archbishop of Dublin, Mr. Locker, Mr. M. Arnold, and
Messrs. Bell & Daldy, Longman, Macmillan, Strahan,
Blackwood, and Milner & Sowerby, for permitting the use
of Poems of which they hold the copyright.

London: Printed by Jas. Truscott & Son, Suffolk Lane, City.

THE CYCLE OF LIFE.

THE ANGEL'S STORY.

THROUGH the blue and frosty heavens, Christmas stars were shining bright; Glistening lamps through the great City Almost matched their gleaming light;

While the winter snow was lying,

And the winter winds were sighing, Long ago, one Christmas night.

While from every tower and steeple

Pealing bells were sounding clear
(Never with such tones of gladness,
Save when Christmas time is near),

Many a one that night was merry
Who had toiled through all the year.

B

花

That night saw old wrongs forgiven,
Friends, long parted, reconciled;
Voices all unused to laughter,

Mournful eyes that rarely smiled,
Trembling hearts that feared the morrow,
From their anxious thought beguiled.

Rich and poor felt love and blessing
From the gracious season fall;
Joy and plenty in the cottage,
Peace and feasting in the hall;
And the voices of the children
Ringing clear above it all!

Yet one house was dim and darkened :
Gloom, and sickness, and despair
Were dwelling in the gilded chambers,
Creeping up the marble stair,

Stilling even the voice of mourning-
For a child lay dying there.

Silken curtains fell around him,

Velvet carpets hushed the tread;

Many costly toys were lying,

All unheeded, by his bed;

And his tangled golden ringlets

Were on downy pillows spread.