Poems by Christina Georgina Rossetti Part 56

A night was near, a day was near; Between a day and night I heard sweet voices calling clear, Calling me: I heard a whirr of wing on wing, But could not see the sight; I long to see my birds that sing,-- I long to see.

Below the stars, beyond the moon, Between the night and day, I heard a rising falling tune Calling me: I long to see the pipes and strings Whereon such minstrels play; I long to see each face that sings,-- I long to see.

To-day or may be not to-day, To-night or not to-night; All voices that command or pray, Calling me, Shall kindle in my soul such fire, And in my eyes such light, That I shall see that heart's desire I long to see.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS.

1.

Whoso hears a chiming for Christmas at the nighest, Hears a sound like Angels chanting in their glee, Hears a sound like palm-boughs waving in the highest, Hears a sound like ripple of a crystal sea.

Sweeter than a prayer-bell for a saint in dying, Sweeter than a death-bell for a saint at rest, Music struck in Heaven with earth's faint replying, "Life is good, and death is good, for Christ is Best."

2.

A holy, heavenly chime Rings fulness in of time, And on His Mother's breast Our Lord G.o.d ever-Blest Is laid a Babe at rest.

Stoop, Spirits unused to stoop, Swoop, Angels, flying swoop, Adoring as you gaze, Uplifting hymns of praise,-- "Grace to the Full of Grace!"

The cave is cold and strait To hold the angelic state.

More strait it is, more cold, To foster and infold Its Maker one hour old.

Thrilled through with awestruck love, Meek Angels poised above, To see their G.o.d look down.

"What, is there never a Crown For Him in swaddled gown?

"How comes He soft and weak With such a tender cheek, With such a soft, small hand?-- The very Hand which spann'd Heaven when its girth was plann'd.

"How comes He with a voice Which is but baby-noise?-- That Voice which spake with might: 'Let there be light!' and light Sprang out before our sight.

"What need hath He of flesh Made flawless now afresh?

What need of human heart?-- Heart that must bleed and smart, Choosing the better part.

"But see: His gracious smile Dismisses us a while To serve Him in His kin.

Haste we, make haste, begin To fetch His brethren in."

Like stars they flash and shoot, The Shepherds they salute.

"Glory to G.o.d" they sing; "Good news of peace we bring, For Christ is born a King."

3.

Lo! newborn Jesus, Soft and weak and small, Wrapped in baby's bands By His Mother's hands, Lord G.o.d of all.

Lord G.o.d of Mary, Whom His Lips caress While He rocks to rest On her milky breast In helplessness.

Lord G.o.d of shepherds Flocking through the cold, Flocking through the dark To the only Ark, The only Fold.

Lord G.o.d of all things, Be they near or far, Be they high or low; Lord of storm and snow, Angel and star.

Lord G.o.d of all men,-- My Lord and my G.o.d!

Thou who lovest me, Keep me close to Thee By staff and rod.

Lo! newborn Jesus, Loving great and small, Love's free Sacrifice, Opening Arms and Eyes To one and all.

A CANDLEMAS DIALOGUE.

"Love brought Me down; and cannot love make thee Carol for joy to Me?

Hear cheerful robin carol from his tree, Who owes not half to Me I won for thee."

"Yea, Lord, I hear his carol's wordless voice; And well may he rejoice Who hath not heard of death's discordant noise.

So might I too rejoice With such a voice."

"True, thou hast compa.s.sed death; but hast not thou The tree of life's own bough?

Am I not Life and Resurrection now?

My Cross balm-bearing bough For such as thou?"

"Ah me, Thy Cross!--but that seems far away; Thy Cradle-song to-day I too would raise, and wors.h.i.+p Thee and pray: Not empty, Lord, to-day Send me away."

"If thou wilt not go empty, spend thy store; And I will give thee more, Yea, make thee ten times richer than before.

Give more and give yet more Out of thy store."

"Because Thou givest me Thyself, I will Thy blessed word fulfil, Give with both hands, and h.o.a.rd by giving still; Thy pleasure to fulfil, And work Thy Will."

MARY MAGDALENE AND THE OTHER MARY.

A SONG FOR ALL MARIES.

Our Master lies asleep and is at rest; His Heart has ceased to bleed, His Eye to weep.

The sun ashamed has dropt down in the west; Our Master lies asleep.

Now we are they who weep, and trembling keep Vigil, with wrung heart in a sighing breast, While slow time creeps, and slow the shadows creep.

Renew Thy youth, as eagle from the nest; O Master, who hast sown, arise to reap: No c.o.c.k-crow yet, no flush on eastern crest; Our Master lies asleep.

PATIENCE OF HOPE.