The typical New England freight that maunders to and fro, The upper Mississippi boats, the bumptious B. & O., The creeping Southern railroads with their other creeping things, The Philadelphy cable that is run out West for rings, The Piccadilly 'buses with their constant roll and shake,-- All have I tried, and yet I'd give the "schnellest zug" the cake! My countrymen, if ever you should seek the German clime, Put not your trust in Baedeker if you are pressed for time; From Hanover to Magdeburg is many a weary mile By "schnellest zug," but done afoot it seems a tiny while; Walk, swim, or skate, and then the task will not appear in vain, But you'll break the third commandment if you take the schnellest train! BETHLEHEM-TOWN. AS I was going to Bethlehem-town, Upon the earth I cast me down All underneath a little tree That whispered in this wise to me: "Oh, I shall stand on Calvary And bear what burthen saveth thee!" As up I fared to Bethlehem-town, I met a shepherd coming down, And thus he quoth: "A wondrous sight Hath spread before mine eyes this night,-- An angel host most fair to see, That sung full sweetly of a tree That shall uplift on Calvary What burthen saveth you and me!" And as I gat to Bethlehem-town, Lo! wise men came that bore a crown. "Is there," cried I, "in Bethlehem A King shall wear this diadem?" "Good sooth," they quoth, "and it is He That shall be lifted on the tree And freely shed on Calvary What blood redeemeth us and thee!" Unto a Child in Bethlehem-town The wise men came and brought the crown; And while the infant smiling slept, Upon their knees they fell and wept; But, with her babe upon her knee, Naught recked that Mother of the tree, That should uplift on Calvary What burthen saveth all and me. Again I walk in Bethlehem-town And think on Him that wears the crown. I may not kiss His feet again, Nor worship Him as did I then; My King hath died upon the tree, And hath outpoured on Calvary What blood redeemeth you and me! THE PEACE OF CHRISTMAS-TIME. DEAREST, how hard it is to say That all is for the best, Since, sometimes, in a grievous way God's will is manifest. See with what hearty, noisy glee Our little ones to-night Dance round and round our Christmas-tree With pretty toys bedight. Dearest, one voice they may not hear, One face they may not see,-- Ah, what of all this Christmas cheer Cometh to you and me?