[Ill.u.s.tration]

SHEEP By Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899)

One of the most famous artists of the world, born at Bordeaux, France, March 22, 1822, died 1899. Her best known pictures are the "Horse Fair" and "Tillage in Nivernais." During the siege of Paris her studio was saved by the special order of the crown prince of Prussia. She received the cross of the Legion of Honor in 1865 [End ill.u.s.tration]

{379}

MAY DAY SONG

April's gone, the king of showers; May is come, the queen of flowers; Give me something, gentles dear, For a blessing on the year.

For my garland give, I pray, Words and smiles of cheerful May: Birds of spring, to you we come, Let us pick a little crumb.

--_John Keble_.

{380}

THE LAMB

Little lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee, Gave thee life and bade thee feed By the stream and o'er the mead; Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing, woolly, bright; Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice?

Little lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Little lamb, I'll tell thee; Little lamb, I'll tell thee.

He is called by thy name, For He calls Himself a Lamb.

He is meek and He is mild, He became a little child.

I a child and thou a lamb, We are called by His name.

Little lamb, G.o.d bless thee.

Little lamb, G.o.d bless thee.

--_William Blake_.

{381}{382}

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) [End ill.u.s.tration]

{383}

SOME MURMUR WHEN THEIR SKY IS CLEAR

Some murmur when their sky is clear And wholly bright to view, If one small speck of dark appear In their great heaven of blue.

And some with thankful love are filled, If but one streak of light, One ray of G.o.d's good mercy gild The darkness of their night.

In palaces are hearts that ask, In discontent and pride, Why life is such a dreary task And all good things denied.

And hearts in poorest huts admire How love has in their aid, Love that not ever seems to tire, Such rich provision made.

--_Archbishop Trench_.

{384}

LITTLE DROPS OF WATER

Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean, And the pleasant land.

Then the little minutes, Humble though they be, Make the mighty ages Of eternity.

--_Ebenezer Cobham Brewer_.

{385}

CHRISTMAS HYMNS

{386}

{387} {388}

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE SHEPHERDS By Bernard Plockhorst (1825- )

"And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you; Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.'

"And suddenly there was with the angel a mult.i.tude of the heavenly host praising G.o.d, and saying,--

'Glory to G.o.d in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.'"

--_Luke 2:8-14_

{389}

CHRISTMAS LULLABY

Sleep, baby, sleep. The mother sings: Heaven's angels kneel and fold their wings.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

With swaths of scented hay Thy bed By Mary's hand at eve was spread.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

At midnight came the shepherds, they Whom seraphs wakened by the way.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

And three kings from the East afar, Ere dawn, came, guided by the star.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

They brought Thee gifts of gold and gems, Pure orient pearls, rich diadems.

Sleep, baby, sleep!

But Thou who liest slumbering there, Art King of kings, earth, ocean, air.