A Visit from St. Nicholas

Twas throughthe night before Christmas, when all Not a creature was stirring, not even amouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, Whilevisions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; Andmamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap- When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, Isprang from mybed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave a luster of midday to objects below; When what to my wondering eyes should appear But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With alittle old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Donder and BlitzenTo the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of toys-and St. Nicholas, too. Andthen, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in myhead, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound: He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; Abundle of toys he had flung on his back, Andhe looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry ; His droll little mouthwas drawnup like abow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump-a right jolly old elf- And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; THREE KINGS OF ORIENT Awink of his eye, and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, Andgiving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, Andawaythey all flew like the down of a thistle ; But I heard him exclaim, ere they drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all agood-night !"