A CHRISTMAS LEGEND.’Twasmidnight, and the Christmas bells were chiming loud and clear:Peal after peal glad tidings bore to Christians far and near.Those throats of metal seemed to chant in solemn tones and slow:En puer nobis natus est: laus Jesu Domino.The night winds heard, and thereupon took up the holy songFirst learned by them when angel hosts surprised the shepherd throng.The very river caught the strain, and whispered as it ran:“Glory to God in heaven above; on earth be peace to man.”The ocean from the river took the tidings glad and good;Like monks white-cowled its crested waves in mighty chorus stood;Then, hastening on with joyous shout, cried loud from shore to shore:The Christ is born: let all the world its King and God adore.Floating flakes of fleecy snow fell fast o’er frozen earth,Just as they fell that winter night that saw the Saviour’s birth;Through painted casements all ablaze with saintly forms and fairStreamed light that tinged the drifted snow with color here and there;The mighty organ loudly pealed and mingled in accordWith holy voices chanting high the anthems of their Lord:“Venite Adoremus” sang the choristers that nightWithin the old cathedral church, which shone with many a light;“Et Verbum Caro factum est,” thus sung the chant again,While clouds of fragrant incense rose and floated through the fane.Many a frocked and cowléd monk and many a hooded friar,Many a knight of high degree and many a faithful squire,Many a youth and many a maid and many a lady fair,Knelt side by side, and, kneeling, prayed upon the pavement bare.But, lo! beside a pillar’s base where scarce the taper’s rayCould light the gloom that hung around or pierce the shadows gray;There knelt a son of Israel’s creed, whose dark and swarthy face,Black raven hair, and liquid eyes bespoke his Jewish race.What did he there, that Hebrew boy, that scion of the East?Why knelt he there ’mid Christian souls to keep a Christian feast?Why were his eyes devoutly fixed upon an image fair?Why prayed that unbaptizéd child, why sang, why knelt he there?* * * * *Of wealthy Jewish parents born, young David oft had heardThe boys of that old city tell of Jesus Christ the Word,Who, of a Jewish Virgin born, came down on earth to dwell,To save mankind from sin and death; and oft had heard as wellHow Mary, God’s dear Mother, loved all Christians great and small,And how she never failed to hear a contrite sinner’s call.So he, too, learned to love her well, and each and every dayThat Jewish lad would clasp his hands and most devoutly say“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”Thus day by day and month by month young David ever cried,And more to learn of Christian truth with fondest ardor sighed.On Christmas Eve he heard the bells ring sweetly from the spire,And of one Mark, a chorister, did earnestly inquire:“Dear Mark, why chime thy church’s bells so joyously to-night,While all the painted windows shine with such unwonted light?”“O David!” quick his friend rejoined, “the bells are ringing clear.In greeting to the holiest feast throughout the Christian year;For on this night, long years agone, was born our Blessed Lord,By Mary in a manger laid, by angel hosts adored.But see, dear friend, I cannot now to speak with you delay;For swiftly to the sacristy I needs must haste away.I am a chorister, you know,” he said with honest pride;Then added, as he turned to leave his young companion’s side:“My voice to-night in holy song to faithful souls shall tellHow Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down on earth to dwell.Good-night, good-night,” at last he said, and then away he ran.Poor David’s eyes were filled with tears, his cheeks were pale and wan;But as he listened to the chimes that quivered on the air,From out his inmost heart the boy sent up his simple prayer:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”While thus he prayed he turned his steps towards the sacred fane,Nor paused until he gained the porch, where such a wondrous strainOf holy music greeted him that, trembling, half with fearAnd half with joy, he hid himself, and there saw passing nearA noble rank of men and boys in wonderful array,With flambeaux in their hands which made the church as light as day.First came a fair-haired Christian boy, of figure tall and slight,A smoking censer in his hand, and clad in robe of white.Then came two acolytes, who bore two candlesticks of gold,With tapers tall of perfumed wax of costliness untold.A young subdeacon slowly marched these acolytes between;A massive silver cross he bore aloft with reverent mien.Then, two and two, came choristers in linen fair and white;The younger first, in order due, each holding to the lightHis psalter, silver-clasped, and all in vellum richly bound.Here David gazed intently, and, so gazing, quickly foundHis little friend, the chorister, who walked with steady pace,Whose silvery voice in ringing tones filled all the holy place.The bishop then with lordly train walked last of all the band,A golden mitre on his head, a crosier in his hand.His vestments ’broidered were with pearls, and rays of green and redFrom emeralds fair and rubies bright on every side were shed.When all had passed, poor David crept from out his hiding-place,And slowly followed up the throng with soft and stealthy pace.Then, fearing lest his Jewish dress might some attention draw,He sank down at the pillar’s base where first his form we saw.Then, as the holy service rose to God, and voice of prayer,And hymns and canticles of praise filled all the listening air,The Hebrew lad fell prone upon his face, and there adored,Whilst once again to Mary he the oft-said prayer outpoured:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”“Thou seest it!” cried at David’s side a clear and heavenly voice,Whose very tones, though soft and low, made David’s heart rejoice.He raised his face, and forthwith saw a vision standing nigh,Around whose head there brightly shone the glory of the sky.’Twas Mary’s self, and thus she spoke in accents sweet and mild:“Fear not. Arise and come with me, my well-belovéd child.”The lad arose; Our Lady dear then grasped his trembling hand,And led him to the chancel gates unseen by all the band.Just as they stood beneath the Rood loud rang the sacring-bell,Which did to all the holy time of Consecration tell.This when she heard, our Mother knelt upon the marble floor;For Mary’s Son is Mary’s God and Lord for evermore.She then arose and stood unseen till Holy Mass was o’er,Then forward stepped, and, with the lad, the prelate stood before.“Behold,” she said, and as she spoke the church was filled with light,And all fell down upon their knees in wonder at the sight.“Behold. I bring you here a soul who, though he knew me not,Has ever called upon my name, and aye bewailed his lotBecause he knew not as he wished the true, the Christian creed:I bring him that he may become an Israelite indeed.”She spoke, and bright the radiance gleamed around her saintly head,And odors most celestial were throughout the building shed.Then, as the whole assembly gazed on all with mute surprise,She vanished in a silver cloud from ’fore their wondering eyes.The holy bishop first found voice, and thus devoutly said:“Mother of God, thy blest command shall be at once obeyed.Divine behests brook no delay; so here, before the nightDoth older grow, let me bestow the laver’s saving rite.”The water brought, redemption’s stream o’er David flowed that hour,And sparkled on his forehead white like dewdrops on a flower.“Te Deum laudamus” chanted then the choristers with joy,And rushed to give a kiss of peace unto the happy boy.But what is this? He does not stir nor lift his bended head!David, his white robe yet unstained, was kneeling calm and dead.On thatTe Deum’soutstretched wings his soul had upward soaredTo keep in heaven its Christmas morn with Mary and his Lord.
A CHRISTMAS LEGEND.’Twasmidnight, and the Christmas bells were chiming loud and clear:Peal after peal glad tidings bore to Christians far and near.Those throats of metal seemed to chant in solemn tones and slow:En puer nobis natus est: laus Jesu Domino.The night winds heard, and thereupon took up the holy songFirst learned by them when angel hosts surprised the shepherd throng.The very river caught the strain, and whispered as it ran:“Glory to God in heaven above; on earth be peace to man.”The ocean from the river took the tidings glad and good;Like monks white-cowled its crested waves in mighty chorus stood;Then, hastening on with joyous shout, cried loud from shore to shore:The Christ is born: let all the world its King and God adore.Floating flakes of fleecy snow fell fast o’er frozen earth,Just as they fell that winter night that saw the Saviour’s birth;Through painted casements all ablaze with saintly forms and fairStreamed light that tinged the drifted snow with color here and there;The mighty organ loudly pealed and mingled in accordWith holy voices chanting high the anthems of their Lord:“Venite Adoremus” sang the choristers that nightWithin the old cathedral church, which shone with many a light;“Et Verbum Caro factum est,” thus sung the chant again,While clouds of fragrant incense rose and floated through the fane.Many a frocked and cowléd monk and many a hooded friar,Many a knight of high degree and many a faithful squire,Many a youth and many a maid and many a lady fair,Knelt side by side, and, kneeling, prayed upon the pavement bare.But, lo! beside a pillar’s base where scarce the taper’s rayCould light the gloom that hung around or pierce the shadows gray;There knelt a son of Israel’s creed, whose dark and swarthy face,Black raven hair, and liquid eyes bespoke his Jewish race.What did he there, that Hebrew boy, that scion of the East?Why knelt he there ’mid Christian souls to keep a Christian feast?Why were his eyes devoutly fixed upon an image fair?Why prayed that unbaptizéd child, why sang, why knelt he there?* * * * *Of wealthy Jewish parents born, young David oft had heardThe boys of that old city tell of Jesus Christ the Word,Who, of a Jewish Virgin born, came down on earth to dwell,To save mankind from sin and death; and oft had heard as wellHow Mary, God’s dear Mother, loved all Christians great and small,And how she never failed to hear a contrite sinner’s call.So he, too, learned to love her well, and each and every dayThat Jewish lad would clasp his hands and most devoutly say“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”Thus day by day and month by month young David ever cried,And more to learn of Christian truth with fondest ardor sighed.On Christmas Eve he heard the bells ring sweetly from the spire,And of one Mark, a chorister, did earnestly inquire:“Dear Mark, why chime thy church’s bells so joyously to-night,While all the painted windows shine with such unwonted light?”“O David!” quick his friend rejoined, “the bells are ringing clear.In greeting to the holiest feast throughout the Christian year;For on this night, long years agone, was born our Blessed Lord,By Mary in a manger laid, by angel hosts adored.But see, dear friend, I cannot now to speak with you delay;For swiftly to the sacristy I needs must haste away.I am a chorister, you know,” he said with honest pride;Then added, as he turned to leave his young companion’s side:“My voice to-night in holy song to faithful souls shall tellHow Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down on earth to dwell.Good-night, good-night,” at last he said, and then away he ran.Poor David’s eyes were filled with tears, his cheeks were pale and wan;But as he listened to the chimes that quivered on the air,From out his inmost heart the boy sent up his simple prayer:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”While thus he prayed he turned his steps towards the sacred fane,Nor paused until he gained the porch, where such a wondrous strainOf holy music greeted him that, trembling, half with fearAnd half with joy, he hid himself, and there saw passing nearA noble rank of men and boys in wonderful array,With flambeaux in their hands which made the church as light as day.First came a fair-haired Christian boy, of figure tall and slight,A smoking censer in his hand, and clad in robe of white.Then came two acolytes, who bore two candlesticks of gold,With tapers tall of perfumed wax of costliness untold.A young subdeacon slowly marched these acolytes between;A massive silver cross he bore aloft with reverent mien.Then, two and two, came choristers in linen fair and white;The younger first, in order due, each holding to the lightHis psalter, silver-clasped, and all in vellum richly bound.Here David gazed intently, and, so gazing, quickly foundHis little friend, the chorister, who walked with steady pace,Whose silvery voice in ringing tones filled all the holy place.The bishop then with lordly train walked last of all the band,A golden mitre on his head, a crosier in his hand.His vestments ’broidered were with pearls, and rays of green and redFrom emeralds fair and rubies bright on every side were shed.When all had passed, poor David crept from out his hiding-place,And slowly followed up the throng with soft and stealthy pace.Then, fearing lest his Jewish dress might some attention draw,He sank down at the pillar’s base where first his form we saw.Then, as the holy service rose to God, and voice of prayer,And hymns and canticles of praise filled all the listening air,The Hebrew lad fell prone upon his face, and there adored,Whilst once again to Mary he the oft-said prayer outpoured:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”“Thou seest it!” cried at David’s side a clear and heavenly voice,Whose very tones, though soft and low, made David’s heart rejoice.He raised his face, and forthwith saw a vision standing nigh,Around whose head there brightly shone the glory of the sky.’Twas Mary’s self, and thus she spoke in accents sweet and mild:“Fear not. Arise and come with me, my well-belovéd child.”The lad arose; Our Lady dear then grasped his trembling hand,And led him to the chancel gates unseen by all the band.Just as they stood beneath the Rood loud rang the sacring-bell,Which did to all the holy time of Consecration tell.This when she heard, our Mother knelt upon the marble floor;For Mary’s Son is Mary’s God and Lord for evermore.She then arose and stood unseen till Holy Mass was o’er,Then forward stepped, and, with the lad, the prelate stood before.“Behold,” she said, and as she spoke the church was filled with light,And all fell down upon their knees in wonder at the sight.“Behold. I bring you here a soul who, though he knew me not,Has ever called upon my name, and aye bewailed his lotBecause he knew not as he wished the true, the Christian creed:I bring him that he may become an Israelite indeed.”She spoke, and bright the radiance gleamed around her saintly head,And odors most celestial were throughout the building shed.Then, as the whole assembly gazed on all with mute surprise,She vanished in a silver cloud from ’fore their wondering eyes.The holy bishop first found voice, and thus devoutly said:“Mother of God, thy blest command shall be at once obeyed.Divine behests brook no delay; so here, before the nightDoth older grow, let me bestow the laver’s saving rite.”The water brought, redemption’s stream o’er David flowed that hour,And sparkled on his forehead white like dewdrops on a flower.“Te Deum laudamus” chanted then the choristers with joy,And rushed to give a kiss of peace unto the happy boy.But what is this? He does not stir nor lift his bended head!David, his white robe yet unstained, was kneeling calm and dead.On thatTe Deum’soutstretched wings his soul had upward soaredTo keep in heaven its Christmas morn with Mary and his Lord.
’Twasmidnight, and the Christmas bells were chiming loud and clear:Peal after peal glad tidings bore to Christians far and near.Those throats of metal seemed to chant in solemn tones and slow:En puer nobis natus est: laus Jesu Domino.The night winds heard, and thereupon took up the holy songFirst learned by them when angel hosts surprised the shepherd throng.The very river caught the strain, and whispered as it ran:“Glory to God in heaven above; on earth be peace to man.”The ocean from the river took the tidings glad and good;Like monks white-cowled its crested waves in mighty chorus stood;Then, hastening on with joyous shout, cried loud from shore to shore:The Christ is born: let all the world its King and God adore.Floating flakes of fleecy snow fell fast o’er frozen earth,Just as they fell that winter night that saw the Saviour’s birth;Through painted casements all ablaze with saintly forms and fairStreamed light that tinged the drifted snow with color here and there;The mighty organ loudly pealed and mingled in accordWith holy voices chanting high the anthems of their Lord:“Venite Adoremus” sang the choristers that nightWithin the old cathedral church, which shone with many a light;“Et Verbum Caro factum est,” thus sung the chant again,While clouds of fragrant incense rose and floated through the fane.Many a frocked and cowléd monk and many a hooded friar,Many a knight of high degree and many a faithful squire,Many a youth and many a maid and many a lady fair,Knelt side by side, and, kneeling, prayed upon the pavement bare.But, lo! beside a pillar’s base where scarce the taper’s rayCould light the gloom that hung around or pierce the shadows gray;There knelt a son of Israel’s creed, whose dark and swarthy face,Black raven hair, and liquid eyes bespoke his Jewish race.What did he there, that Hebrew boy, that scion of the East?Why knelt he there ’mid Christian souls to keep a Christian feast?Why were his eyes devoutly fixed upon an image fair?Why prayed that unbaptizéd child, why sang, why knelt he there?* * * * *Of wealthy Jewish parents born, young David oft had heardThe boys of that old city tell of Jesus Christ the Word,Who, of a Jewish Virgin born, came down on earth to dwell,To save mankind from sin and death; and oft had heard as wellHow Mary, God’s dear Mother, loved all Christians great and small,And how she never failed to hear a contrite sinner’s call.So he, too, learned to love her well, and each and every dayThat Jewish lad would clasp his hands and most devoutly say“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”Thus day by day and month by month young David ever cried,And more to learn of Christian truth with fondest ardor sighed.On Christmas Eve he heard the bells ring sweetly from the spire,And of one Mark, a chorister, did earnestly inquire:“Dear Mark, why chime thy church’s bells so joyously to-night,While all the painted windows shine with such unwonted light?”“O David!” quick his friend rejoined, “the bells are ringing clear.In greeting to the holiest feast throughout the Christian year;For on this night, long years agone, was born our Blessed Lord,By Mary in a manger laid, by angel hosts adored.But see, dear friend, I cannot now to speak with you delay;For swiftly to the sacristy I needs must haste away.I am a chorister, you know,” he said with honest pride;Then added, as he turned to leave his young companion’s side:“My voice to-night in holy song to faithful souls shall tellHow Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down on earth to dwell.Good-night, good-night,” at last he said, and then away he ran.Poor David’s eyes were filled with tears, his cheeks were pale and wan;But as he listened to the chimes that quivered on the air,From out his inmost heart the boy sent up his simple prayer:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”While thus he prayed he turned his steps towards the sacred fane,Nor paused until he gained the porch, where such a wondrous strainOf holy music greeted him that, trembling, half with fearAnd half with joy, he hid himself, and there saw passing nearA noble rank of men and boys in wonderful array,With flambeaux in their hands which made the church as light as day.First came a fair-haired Christian boy, of figure tall and slight,A smoking censer in his hand, and clad in robe of white.Then came two acolytes, who bore two candlesticks of gold,With tapers tall of perfumed wax of costliness untold.A young subdeacon slowly marched these acolytes between;A massive silver cross he bore aloft with reverent mien.Then, two and two, came choristers in linen fair and white;The younger first, in order due, each holding to the lightHis psalter, silver-clasped, and all in vellum richly bound.Here David gazed intently, and, so gazing, quickly foundHis little friend, the chorister, who walked with steady pace,Whose silvery voice in ringing tones filled all the holy place.The bishop then with lordly train walked last of all the band,A golden mitre on his head, a crosier in his hand.His vestments ’broidered were with pearls, and rays of green and redFrom emeralds fair and rubies bright on every side were shed.When all had passed, poor David crept from out his hiding-place,And slowly followed up the throng with soft and stealthy pace.Then, fearing lest his Jewish dress might some attention draw,He sank down at the pillar’s base where first his form we saw.Then, as the holy service rose to God, and voice of prayer,And hymns and canticles of praise filled all the listening air,The Hebrew lad fell prone upon his face, and there adored,Whilst once again to Mary he the oft-said prayer outpoured:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”“Thou seest it!” cried at David’s side a clear and heavenly voice,Whose very tones, though soft and low, made David’s heart rejoice.He raised his face, and forthwith saw a vision standing nigh,Around whose head there brightly shone the glory of the sky.’Twas Mary’s self, and thus she spoke in accents sweet and mild:“Fear not. Arise and come with me, my well-belovéd child.”The lad arose; Our Lady dear then grasped his trembling hand,And led him to the chancel gates unseen by all the band.Just as they stood beneath the Rood loud rang the sacring-bell,Which did to all the holy time of Consecration tell.This when she heard, our Mother knelt upon the marble floor;For Mary’s Son is Mary’s God and Lord for evermore.She then arose and stood unseen till Holy Mass was o’er,Then forward stepped, and, with the lad, the prelate stood before.“Behold,” she said, and as she spoke the church was filled with light,And all fell down upon their knees in wonder at the sight.“Behold. I bring you here a soul who, though he knew me not,Has ever called upon my name, and aye bewailed his lotBecause he knew not as he wished the true, the Christian creed:I bring him that he may become an Israelite indeed.”She spoke, and bright the radiance gleamed around her saintly head,And odors most celestial were throughout the building shed.Then, as the whole assembly gazed on all with mute surprise,She vanished in a silver cloud from ’fore their wondering eyes.The holy bishop first found voice, and thus devoutly said:“Mother of God, thy blest command shall be at once obeyed.Divine behests brook no delay; so here, before the nightDoth older grow, let me bestow the laver’s saving rite.”The water brought, redemption’s stream o’er David flowed that hour,And sparkled on his forehead white like dewdrops on a flower.“Te Deum laudamus” chanted then the choristers with joy,And rushed to give a kiss of peace unto the happy boy.But what is this? He does not stir nor lift his bended head!David, his white robe yet unstained, was kneeling calm and dead.On thatTe Deum’soutstretched wings his soul had upward soaredTo keep in heaven its Christmas morn with Mary and his Lord.
’Twasmidnight, and the Christmas bells were chiming loud and clear:Peal after peal glad tidings bore to Christians far and near.Those throats of metal seemed to chant in solemn tones and slow:En puer nobis natus est: laus Jesu Domino.The night winds heard, and thereupon took up the holy songFirst learned by them when angel hosts surprised the shepherd throng.The very river caught the strain, and whispered as it ran:“Glory to God in heaven above; on earth be peace to man.”The ocean from the river took the tidings glad and good;Like monks white-cowled its crested waves in mighty chorus stood;Then, hastening on with joyous shout, cried loud from shore to shore:The Christ is born: let all the world its King and God adore.Floating flakes of fleecy snow fell fast o’er frozen earth,Just as they fell that winter night that saw the Saviour’s birth;Through painted casements all ablaze with saintly forms and fairStreamed light that tinged the drifted snow with color here and there;The mighty organ loudly pealed and mingled in accordWith holy voices chanting high the anthems of their Lord:“Venite Adoremus” sang the choristers that nightWithin the old cathedral church, which shone with many a light;“Et Verbum Caro factum est,” thus sung the chant again,While clouds of fragrant incense rose and floated through the fane.Many a frocked and cowléd monk and many a hooded friar,Many a knight of high degree and many a faithful squire,Many a youth and many a maid and many a lady fair,Knelt side by side, and, kneeling, prayed upon the pavement bare.But, lo! beside a pillar’s base where scarce the taper’s rayCould light the gloom that hung around or pierce the shadows gray;There knelt a son of Israel’s creed, whose dark and swarthy face,Black raven hair, and liquid eyes bespoke his Jewish race.What did he there, that Hebrew boy, that scion of the East?Why knelt he there ’mid Christian souls to keep a Christian feast?Why were his eyes devoutly fixed upon an image fair?Why prayed that unbaptizéd child, why sang, why knelt he there?* * * * *Of wealthy Jewish parents born, young David oft had heardThe boys of that old city tell of Jesus Christ the Word,Who, of a Jewish Virgin born, came down on earth to dwell,To save mankind from sin and death; and oft had heard as wellHow Mary, God’s dear Mother, loved all Christians great and small,And how she never failed to hear a contrite sinner’s call.So he, too, learned to love her well, and each and every dayThat Jewish lad would clasp his hands and most devoutly say“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”Thus day by day and month by month young David ever cried,And more to learn of Christian truth with fondest ardor sighed.On Christmas Eve he heard the bells ring sweetly from the spire,And of one Mark, a chorister, did earnestly inquire:“Dear Mark, why chime thy church’s bells so joyously to-night,While all the painted windows shine with such unwonted light?”“O David!” quick his friend rejoined, “the bells are ringing clear.In greeting to the holiest feast throughout the Christian year;For on this night, long years agone, was born our Blessed Lord,By Mary in a manger laid, by angel hosts adored.But see, dear friend, I cannot now to speak with you delay;For swiftly to the sacristy I needs must haste away.I am a chorister, you know,” he said with honest pride;Then added, as he turned to leave his young companion’s side:“My voice to-night in holy song to faithful souls shall tellHow Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down on earth to dwell.Good-night, good-night,” at last he said, and then away he ran.Poor David’s eyes were filled with tears, his cheeks were pale and wan;But as he listened to the chimes that quivered on the air,From out his inmost heart the boy sent up his simple prayer:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”While thus he prayed he turned his steps towards the sacred fane,Nor paused until he gained the porch, where such a wondrous strainOf holy music greeted him that, trembling, half with fearAnd half with joy, he hid himself, and there saw passing nearA noble rank of men and boys in wonderful array,With flambeaux in their hands which made the church as light as day.First came a fair-haired Christian boy, of figure tall and slight,A smoking censer in his hand, and clad in robe of white.Then came two acolytes, who bore two candlesticks of gold,With tapers tall of perfumed wax of costliness untold.A young subdeacon slowly marched these acolytes between;A massive silver cross he bore aloft with reverent mien.Then, two and two, came choristers in linen fair and white;The younger first, in order due, each holding to the lightHis psalter, silver-clasped, and all in vellum richly bound.Here David gazed intently, and, so gazing, quickly foundHis little friend, the chorister, who walked with steady pace,Whose silvery voice in ringing tones filled all the holy place.The bishop then with lordly train walked last of all the band,A golden mitre on his head, a crosier in his hand.His vestments ’broidered were with pearls, and rays of green and redFrom emeralds fair and rubies bright on every side were shed.When all had passed, poor David crept from out his hiding-place,And slowly followed up the throng with soft and stealthy pace.Then, fearing lest his Jewish dress might some attention draw,He sank down at the pillar’s base where first his form we saw.Then, as the holy service rose to God, and voice of prayer,And hymns and canticles of praise filled all the listening air,The Hebrew lad fell prone upon his face, and there adored,Whilst once again to Mary he the oft-said prayer outpoured:“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”“Thou seest it!” cried at David’s side a clear and heavenly voice,Whose very tones, though soft and low, made David’s heart rejoice.He raised his face, and forthwith saw a vision standing nigh,Around whose head there brightly shone the glory of the sky.’Twas Mary’s self, and thus she spoke in accents sweet and mild:“Fear not. Arise and come with me, my well-belovéd child.”The lad arose; Our Lady dear then grasped his trembling hand,And led him to the chancel gates unseen by all the band.Just as they stood beneath the Rood loud rang the sacring-bell,Which did to all the holy time of Consecration tell.This when she heard, our Mother knelt upon the marble floor;For Mary’s Son is Mary’s God and Lord for evermore.She then arose and stood unseen till Holy Mass was o’er,Then forward stepped, and, with the lad, the prelate stood before.“Behold,” she said, and as she spoke the church was filled with light,And all fell down upon their knees in wonder at the sight.“Behold. I bring you here a soul who, though he knew me not,Has ever called upon my name, and aye bewailed his lotBecause he knew not as he wished the true, the Christian creed:I bring him that he may become an Israelite indeed.”She spoke, and bright the radiance gleamed around her saintly head,And odors most celestial were throughout the building shed.Then, as the whole assembly gazed on all with mute surprise,She vanished in a silver cloud from ’fore their wondering eyes.The holy bishop first found voice, and thus devoutly said:“Mother of God, thy blest command shall be at once obeyed.Divine behests brook no delay; so here, before the nightDoth older grow, let me bestow the laver’s saving rite.”The water brought, redemption’s stream o’er David flowed that hour,And sparkled on his forehead white like dewdrops on a flower.“Te Deum laudamus” chanted then the choristers with joy,And rushed to give a kiss of peace unto the happy boy.But what is this? He does not stir nor lift his bended head!David, his white robe yet unstained, was kneeling calm and dead.On thatTe Deum’soutstretched wings his soul had upward soaredTo keep in heaven its Christmas morn with Mary and his Lord.
’Twasmidnight, and the Christmas bells were chiming loud and clear:
Peal after peal glad tidings bore to Christians far and near.
Those throats of metal seemed to chant in solemn tones and slow:
En puer nobis natus est: laus Jesu Domino.
The night winds heard, and thereupon took up the holy song
First learned by them when angel hosts surprised the shepherd throng.
The very river caught the strain, and whispered as it ran:
“Glory to God in heaven above; on earth be peace to man.”
The ocean from the river took the tidings glad and good;
Like monks white-cowled its crested waves in mighty chorus stood;
Then, hastening on with joyous shout, cried loud from shore to shore:
The Christ is born: let all the world its King and God adore.
Floating flakes of fleecy snow fell fast o’er frozen earth,
Just as they fell that winter night that saw the Saviour’s birth;
Through painted casements all ablaze with saintly forms and fair
Streamed light that tinged the drifted snow with color here and there;
The mighty organ loudly pealed and mingled in accord
With holy voices chanting high the anthems of their Lord:
“Venite Adoremus” sang the choristers that night
Within the old cathedral church, which shone with many a light;
“Et Verbum Caro factum est,” thus sung the chant again,
While clouds of fragrant incense rose and floated through the fane.
Many a frocked and cowléd monk and many a hooded friar,
Many a knight of high degree and many a faithful squire,
Many a youth and many a maid and many a lady fair,
Knelt side by side, and, kneeling, prayed upon the pavement bare.
But, lo! beside a pillar’s base where scarce the taper’s ray
Could light the gloom that hung around or pierce the shadows gray;
There knelt a son of Israel’s creed, whose dark and swarthy face,
Black raven hair, and liquid eyes bespoke his Jewish race.
What did he there, that Hebrew boy, that scion of the East?
Why knelt he there ’mid Christian souls to keep a Christian feast?
Why were his eyes devoutly fixed upon an image fair?
Why prayed that unbaptizéd child, why sang, why knelt he there?
* * * * *
Of wealthy Jewish parents born, young David oft had heard
The boys of that old city tell of Jesus Christ the Word,
Who, of a Jewish Virgin born, came down on earth to dwell,
To save mankind from sin and death; and oft had heard as well
How Mary, God’s dear Mother, loved all Christians great and small,
And how she never failed to hear a contrite sinner’s call.
So he, too, learned to love her well, and each and every day
That Jewish lad would clasp his hands and most devoutly say
“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!
Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”
Thus day by day and month by month young David ever cried,
And more to learn of Christian truth with fondest ardor sighed.
On Christmas Eve he heard the bells ring sweetly from the spire,
And of one Mark, a chorister, did earnestly inquire:
“Dear Mark, why chime thy church’s bells so joyously to-night,
While all the painted windows shine with such unwonted light?”
“O David!” quick his friend rejoined, “the bells are ringing clear.
In greeting to the holiest feast throughout the Christian year;
For on this night, long years agone, was born our Blessed Lord,
By Mary in a manger laid, by angel hosts adored.
But see, dear friend, I cannot now to speak with you delay;
For swiftly to the sacristy I needs must haste away.
I am a chorister, you know,” he said with honest pride;
Then added, as he turned to leave his young companion’s side:
“My voice to-night in holy song to faithful souls shall tell
How Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down on earth to dwell.
Good-night, good-night,” at last he said, and then away he ran.
Poor David’s eyes were filled with tears, his cheeks were pale and wan;
But as he listened to the chimes that quivered on the air,
From out his inmost heart the boy sent up his simple prayer:
“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!
Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”
While thus he prayed he turned his steps towards the sacred fane,
Nor paused until he gained the porch, where such a wondrous strain
Of holy music greeted him that, trembling, half with fear
And half with joy, he hid himself, and there saw passing near
A noble rank of men and boys in wonderful array,
With flambeaux in their hands which made the church as light as day.
First came a fair-haired Christian boy, of figure tall and slight,
A smoking censer in his hand, and clad in robe of white.
Then came two acolytes, who bore two candlesticks of gold,
With tapers tall of perfumed wax of costliness untold.
A young subdeacon slowly marched these acolytes between;
A massive silver cross he bore aloft with reverent mien.
Then, two and two, came choristers in linen fair and white;
The younger first, in order due, each holding to the light
His psalter, silver-clasped, and all in vellum richly bound.
Here David gazed intently, and, so gazing, quickly found
His little friend, the chorister, who walked with steady pace,
Whose silvery voice in ringing tones filled all the holy place.
The bishop then with lordly train walked last of all the band,
A golden mitre on his head, a crosier in his hand.
His vestments ’broidered were with pearls, and rays of green and red
From emeralds fair and rubies bright on every side were shed.
When all had passed, poor David crept from out his hiding-place,
And slowly followed up the throng with soft and stealthy pace.
Then, fearing lest his Jewish dress might some attention draw,
He sank down at the pillar’s base where first his form we saw.
Then, as the holy service rose to God, and voice of prayer,
And hymns and canticles of praise filled all the listening air,
The Hebrew lad fell prone upon his face, and there adored,
Whilst once again to Mary he the oft-said prayer outpoured:
“O Mary of the Christians, who wast born of Israel’s race!
Take pity on a Hebrew boy who longs to see thy face.”
“Thou seest it!” cried at David’s side a clear and heavenly voice,
Whose very tones, though soft and low, made David’s heart rejoice.
He raised his face, and forthwith saw a vision standing nigh,
Around whose head there brightly shone the glory of the sky.
’Twas Mary’s self, and thus she spoke in accents sweet and mild:
“Fear not. Arise and come with me, my well-belovéd child.”
The lad arose; Our Lady dear then grasped his trembling hand,
And led him to the chancel gates unseen by all the band.
Just as they stood beneath the Rood loud rang the sacring-bell,
Which did to all the holy time of Consecration tell.
This when she heard, our Mother knelt upon the marble floor;
For Mary’s Son is Mary’s God and Lord for evermore.
She then arose and stood unseen till Holy Mass was o’er,
Then forward stepped, and, with the lad, the prelate stood before.
“Behold,” she said, and as she spoke the church was filled with light,
And all fell down upon their knees in wonder at the sight.
“Behold. I bring you here a soul who, though he knew me not,
Has ever called upon my name, and aye bewailed his lot
Because he knew not as he wished the true, the Christian creed:
I bring him that he may become an Israelite indeed.”
She spoke, and bright the radiance gleamed around her saintly head,
And odors most celestial were throughout the building shed.
Then, as the whole assembly gazed on all with mute surprise,
She vanished in a silver cloud from ’fore their wondering eyes.
The holy bishop first found voice, and thus devoutly said:
“Mother of God, thy blest command shall be at once obeyed.
Divine behests brook no delay; so here, before the night
Doth older grow, let me bestow the laver’s saving rite.”
The water brought, redemption’s stream o’er David flowed that hour,
And sparkled on his forehead white like dewdrops on a flower.
“Te Deum laudamus” chanted then the choristers with joy,
And rushed to give a kiss of peace unto the happy boy.
But what is this? He does not stir nor lift his bended head!
David, his white robe yet unstained, was kneeling calm and dead.
On thatTe Deum’soutstretched wings his soul had upward soared
To keep in heaven its Christmas morn with Mary and his Lord.