104 A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack. His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! That shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, He went to the windows of those, who slept, By the light of the morn, were seen Most beautiful things; there were flowers and trees; There were bevies of birds and swarms of bees; There were cities with temples and towers; and these All pictured in silver sheen! But he did one thing that was hardly fair- "Now, just to set them a-thinking, I'll bite this basket of fruit," said he, Shall 'tchick!' to tell them I'm drinking!" GREECE. BY J. G. BROOKS. LAND of the brave! where lie inurned In whom the fire of valour burned, Land of the Muse! within thy bowers Till every grove and every hill, Land of dead heroes! living slaves! Shall glory gild thy clime no more? Her banner float above thy waves To break the fetter and the chain; No! coward souls! the light which shone With helmet shattered, spear in rust; Where sleeps the spirit, that of old Dashed down to earth the Persian plume; When the loud chant of triumph told, How fatal was the despot's doom? Tyrants have trampled on the clay, Where death has hushed them into rest. Yet, Ida, yet upon thy hill, A glory shines of ages fled; |