[_George wishes himself back at Charterhouse._]]

* * * * *

"KEEP THE POT A-BOILING!"

(_A SEASONABLE SUGGESTION._)

Christmas comes once more,
Well-beloved Old Father!
Though the season's hoar,
Warm his welcome--rather!
Parties come and go,
True to _him_ our heart is,
With his beard of snow,
Best of (Christmas) Parties!
Say the day is chill,
Say the weather's windy,
He brings warm good-will,
Not heart-freezing shindy.
"Union!" is his cry,--
Hearts and hands and voices.
Confraternity
His kind soul rejoices.
When the youngsters slide
On the frozen river.
As they glow and glide,
Do they shrink or shiver?
Nay; nor dread nor doubt