THE BIRTH OF JESUS ANNOUNCED .

Deep was the midnight silence in the fields
Of Bethlehem; hush'd the folds; save that, at times,
Was heard the lamb's faint bleat: the shepherds, stretch'd
On the greensward, survey'd the starry vault:
" The heavens declare the glory of the Lord,
The firmament shews forth thy handiwork;"
Thus they, their hearts attuned to the Most High;
When, suddenly, a splendid cloud appear'd,
As if a portion of the milky way
Descended slowly in a spiral course.
Near and more near it draws; then, hovering, floats,
High as the soar of eagle, shedding bright,
Upon the folded flocks, a heavenly radiance,
From whence was utter'd loud, yet sweet, a voice, —
" Fear not, I bring good tidings of great joy;
For unto you is born this day a Saviour!
And this shall be a sign to you, — the babe,
Laid lowly in a manger, ye shall find."
The angel spake; when, lo! upon the cloud,
A multitude of Seraphim, enthroned,
Sang praises, saying, " Glory to the Lord
On high, on earth be peace, good will to men."
With sweet response harmoniously they choir'd,
And while, with heavenly harmony, the song
Arose to God, more bright the buoyant throne
Illumed the land: the prowling lion stops,
Awe-struck, with mane uprear'd, and flatten'd head;
And, without turning, backward on his steps
Recoils, aghast, into the desert gloom.
A trembling joy the astonish'd shepherds prove,
As heavenward re-ascends the vocal blaze
Triumphantly; while, by degrees, the strain
Dies on the ear, that self-deluded listens,
As if a sound so sweet could never die.