Christmastide

<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN> <h3 id="id00277" style="margin-top: 3em">CHRISTMASTIDE</h3> <p id="id00278" style="margin-top: 2em">I may not go to-night to Bethlehem,<br/> Nor follow star-directed ways, nor tread<br/> The paths wherein the shepherds walked, that led<br/> To Christ, and peace, and God's good will to men.<br/></p> <p id="id00279">I may not hear the Herald Angel's song<br/> Peal through the Oriental skies, nor see<br/> The wonder of that Heavenly company<br/> Announce the King the world had waited long.<br/></p> <p id="id00280">The manger throne I may not kneel before,<br/> Or see how man to God is reconciled,<br/> Through pure St. Mary's purer, holier child;<br/> The human Christ these eyes may not adore.<br/></p> <p id="id00281">I may not carry frankincense and myrrh<br/> With adoration to the Holy One;<br/> Nor gold have I to give the Perfect Son,<br/> To be with those wise kings a worshipper.<br/></p> <p id="id00282">Not mine the joy that Heaven sent to them,<br/> For ages since Time swung and locked his gates,<br/> But I may kneel without—the star still waits<br/> To guide me on to holy Bethlehem.<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />