Merry Christmas Bells]

The child looked up; her innocent ears Had caught the smothered cry; She saw the pale face wet with tears She fain would pacify.

"Don't cry, mama," she softly said-- "Here's a Christmas gift for you," And on the mother's cheek a kiss She printed warm and true.

"God bless my child!" the mother cried And caught her to her breast-- "O Lord, whose Son was crucified, Thy precious gift is best.

"If toil and trouble be my lot While on life's sea I drift, O Lord, my soul shall murmur not, If Thou wilt spare Thy gift."