In the hope so full of cheering
And delight--
Home, sweet home! our rest we're nearing!
Evening time shall bring us light.

Light of heaven! Earth's gloom adorning
With thy smile,
Earnest of the eternal morning
After this brief "little while."




CHRISTMAS EVE.


Ruddy bright the dying embers
In the glooming, glow and burn,
Scenes of olden-time Decembers,
Ashes now in Times' great urn,
That the heart so well remembers
At this haunted hour reborn:--
All the fairy scenes Elysian
Born again in recollection,
Seen with mirror-like reflection,
Throng upon the wondering vision.
Once again I hear the river
In the darkness rush and roar,
See the pine-boughs wave and quiver,
Hear the oak trees, blasted, hoar,