When we shall hear — December

"December drops no weak, relenting tear, By our fond Summer sympathies ensnared; Nor from the perfect circle of the year Can even Winters crystal gems be spared."

"The sun that brief December day Rose cheerless over hills of gray, And, darkly circled, gave at noon A sadder light than waning moon."

"In cold December fragrant chaplets blow, And heavy harvests nod beneath the snow."

"Wild was the day; the wintry sea Moaned sadly on New Englands strand, When first the thoughtful and the free, Our fathers, trod the desert land."

"Only the sea intoning, Only the wainscot-mouse, Only the wild wind moaning Over the lonely house."

"Shout now! The months with loud acclaim, Take up the cry and send it forth; May breathing sweet her Spring perfumes, November thundering from the North. With hands upraised, as with one voice, They join their notes in grand accord; Hail to December! say they all, It gave to Earth our Christ the Lord!"