A CHRISTMAS HYMN. Went plodding home a weary boor Fallen through a half-shut stable door O, strange indifference! low and high One that shall thrill the world forever! Centuries ago! It is the calm and solemn night! A thousand bells ring out, and throw Their joyous peals abroad, and smite The darkness-charmed and holy now! The night that erst no shame had worn, To it a happy name is given; For in that stable lay, new born, The peaceful Prince of earth and heaven, Centuries ago. 369 WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR. HAT babe new-born is this That in a manger lies? Dear on her lowly bed Watching the stars of old, Wise men marveled at night, When the gilded azure wide unrolled On from the gates of morn They followed the sign afar, Saying: "Where is the king that is born? For we have seen his star." Long had the world of night Waited the promised king; She heard 'midst tears of wild delight The strength of sin was broke, As glad the heavenly chorus woke, QUESTIONS. MRS. REBECCA N. HAZARD. F for the welfare of the tree Some branch, though filled with budding ife, Is made to feel the pruner's knife, And if to make the border gay, When flowers feel the breath of June, If in the strife for highest good My loss should be another's gain; If some weak soul, in sorrowing mood, Its peace should purchase through my pain, Or if some thought born of my woe Though waked to life by fiercest throe, Should it another's pang remove, Can I be sad? The answer's plain, and yet, ah me! THE SACRED HARP. MRS. F. D. HEMANS. How shall the Harp of poesy regain, That old victorious tone of prophet-years, A throne, the Ark's dread cherubim between, |