<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">A Birth-Night Song</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">The</span> Child is rocked on Mary's knee,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Cold in the stall this bitter night,</p><p class="line">And "<em>Lullalay-loo</em>," soft singeth she,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">"My little Boy and Heaven's Delight!"</p><p class="line">When singing stars went up the sky</p><p class="line">The Prince of Peace oped a sweet eye.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">His Highness now how small He lies!</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">He to be God and Very God!</p><p class="line">A Jacob's ladder spans the skies</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Whereof each rung is angel-trod,</p><p class="line">And all their carols are of Peace,</p><p class="line">Though the sick world hath little ease.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Come in, poor war-worn folk, and rest;</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Kneel where the sinless creatures kneel;</p><p class="line">The Babe snugged warm in Mother's breast,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">He is your Wound-Wort, your All-Heal</p><p class="line">Balsam for hurts that throb and smart,</p><p class="line">Small Rose of Love on Mary's heart.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Shut close within His hand so small</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The sick heart's medicine; not a sword.</p><p class="line">Come in, come in, sad people all,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Here is your ancient peace restored!</p><p class="line">"<em>Lullalay-loo</em>," sings Mary mild,</p><p class="line">Kissing her God, her Lamb, her Child.</p></div></body></html> · Great War