Classic Poem

(In the Pardo)

So sweetly through that humble home
The rippling laughter went
That Mary felt the world's blue dome
Too small for her content;

And careful Joseph, while he held
The boy in grave caress,
Wist not what tender thrill dispelled
His workday weariness.

The crown set softly, only rings
Of baby hair agleam
With lustres dropt from angels' wings
And starlight down a dream.

The thorn-tree was a seedling still,
And with laughter's frolic chime
The Christ-Child did his Father's will,
As when, of elder time,

A ruddy lad in Bethlehem
Was keeping sheep and played
Blithe music on his harp to them
Before the psalms were made.