Page:Poems Cook.djvu/204

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STANZAS FOR THE SEASON.
Breathe a name above the cup,
And leave no drop remaining;
When Truth and Feeling fill it up,
'Tis always worth the draining.

Though few and short the flashes are
That break on Care's dull story;
Yet, like the midnight shooting star,
Those moments pass in glory.

Then once again, once again,
We'll tap the humming barrel:
"Goodwill and peace" shall never cease
To be a wise man's carol.

All, all we love!—a health to those!
A bumper—who won't fill it?
A health to brave and open foes,
A bumper!—who would spill it!

And here's to him who guards our right
Upon the distant billow!
And him who sleeps in watch-fire light
Upon his knapsack pillow!

If changing fate has frown'd of late,
And of some joys bereft us,
Still, let us "gang a gleesome gait,"
And prize the blessings left us.

Wisdom's helmet strapp'd too tight
Wearies in the bearing;
And Folly's bells on Christmas night
Are always pleasant wearing.

Then once again, once again,
Let holly crown each portal;
And echo round the welcome sound—
"Goodwill and peace to mortal!"

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