A Sneak-thief Santa Claus

(An interrupted Christmas Carol) (1923)

The cheery chimes of Christmas Are crashing on the air; They clash in cheerful chorus And chase away dull care. Hang up, hang up the holly, Away with melancholy, Let everyone be jolly, Everywhere.

Now, I had got as far as this Before I went to church, And then a burglar came and knocked Pegasus off his perch.

For Sunday is the peaceful day On which I write my verses, But he has robbed me of my wits And filled me up with curses.

So please forgive, if, like our house, I'm feeling all upset. And then I'll try with Christmas cheer Our losses to forget.

The steaming Christmas pudding, The turkey nicely done, The mince-pie and the rest of it, The liveliness and fun. Hang up, hang up the holly, Away with melancholy, And let us all be jolly, Everyone.