HYMN FOR A CHILD Laura E. Richards GOD gave me a little light To carry as I go; Bade me keep it clear and bright, Bear it steadfast, without fear, God gave me a little song To sing upon my way; Yet a little bird can wing, Yet a little child can sing, Make the whole world gay. God gave me a little heart To love whate'er He made; Gave me strength to bear my part, Glad and unafraid. Through Thy world so fair, so bright, Thou my song and Thou my light, "WHO COMES DANCING OVER THE Dinah Mulock Craik HO comes dancing over the snow, WH His soft little feet all bare and rosy? Open the door, though the wild winds blow, Take the child in and make him cosy. Take him in and hold him dear; He is the wonderful New Year. Open your heart, be it sad or gay, For you must carry him, yea or nay, Take him; God sends him, this good THE MAIL COACH PASSENGERS Hans Christian Andersen. I T was bitterly cold, the sky glittered IT 66 with stars, and not a breeze stirred. Bump" an old pot was thrown at a neighbor's door; and "bang, bang," went the guns; for they were greeting the New Year. It was New Year's Eve, and the church clock was striking twelve. "Tanta-ra-ra, tan-ta-ra-ra," sounded the horn, and the mail coach came lumbering up. The clumsy vehicle stopped at the gate of the town. All the places had been taken, for there were twelve passengers in the coach. “Hurrah! hurrah!" cried the people in the town; for in every house the New Year was being welcomed; and as the clock struck, they stood up, the full glasses in their hands, to drink success to the new comer. "A happy New Year!" was the cry; "a pretty wife, plenty of money, and no sorrow or care!" |