"And, oh! remember, gentles gay, To you who bask in fortune's ray The year is all a holiday:-- The poor have only Christmas. "When you the costly banquet deal To guests who never famine feel, Oh spare one morsel from your meal To cheer the poor at Christmas. "So shall each note of mirth appear More sweet to heaven than praise or prayer, And angels, in their carols there, Shall bless the poor at Christmas." _Lucy_. Oh, what a beautiful carol! I'll call in the minstrel. _Mrs. B_. Yes, run Lucy! [_Exit_ LUCY.] _Mr. B_. Set a chair by the fire, Tommy. [_Enter_ LUCY, _with old minstrel carrying harp_.] _Minstrel_. Good even, gentle folks, and a merry Christmas to you all! _Mrs. B_. Come sit by the fire. Tommy placed the chair for you. It is cold outside. _Minstrel_. Thank you kindly, ma'am. So Tommy set the chair for the old man? Where is Master Tommy? Ah, there's my little man! Come here, Tommy. That's right. So, up, on my knee. Why, that's a bright face now! And it ought to be bright, too; for this is Christmas Eve, merry Christmas Eve, the children's happy time. Tommy, I remember when I was as young as you are. I had a little sister. _Tommy_. I have a little sister, too. _Minstrel_. Oh, you have a little sister, eh! Where is she, then? _Tommy [pointing]._ Over there, in the corner. _Minstrel_. Bless my old eyes, so she is! Run and bring her, Tommy. [TOMMY _runs, and returns leading and coaxing_ MAY.] _Minstrel_ [_setting one on each knee_]. Now, good folks, if you'll let me, I'll tell these little people a story of Jesus when he was a little boy. It is called "The Holy Well." [_They group themselves about the minstrel_.]