Christmas Greetings [From a Fairy to a Child]––––––––
Lady dear, if Fairies may
For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
'Tis at happy Christmas-tide.
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We have heard the children say—
Gentle children, whom we love—
Long ago, on Christmas Day,
Came a message from above.
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Still, as Christmas-tide comes round,
They remember it again—
Echo still the joyful sound
"Peace on earth, good-will to men!"
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Yet the hearts must childlike be
Where such heavenly guests abide:
Unto children, in their glee,
All the year is Christmas-tide!
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Thus, forgetting tricks and play
For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
Merry Christmas, glad New Year!
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LEWIS CARROLL.
Christmas, 1867.
