Sleighing Song

WHEN calm is the night, and the stars shine bright,

  The sleigh glides smooth and cheerily;

And mirth and jest abound,

While all is still around,

Save the horses' trampling sound,

  And the horse-bells tinkling merrily.

But when the drifting snow in the traveller's face shall blow,

  And hail is driving drearily,

And the wind is shrill and loud,

Then no sleigh shall stir abroad,

Nor along the beaten road

  Shall the horse-bells tinkle merrily.

But to-night the skies are clear, and we have not to fear

  That the time should linger wearily;

For good-humor has a charm

Even winter to disarm,

And our cloaks shall wrap us warm,

  And the bells shall tinkle merrily.

John Shaw

Song

WHO has robbed the ocean cave,

  To tinge thy lips with coral hue?

Who from India's distant wave

  For thee those pearly treasures drew?

Who, from yonder orient sky,

Stole the morning of thine eye?

Thousand charms, thy form to deck,

  From sea, and earth, and air are torn;

Roses bloom upon thy cheek,

  On thy breath their fragrance borne.

Guard thy bosom from the day,

Lest thy snows should melt away.

But one charm remains behind,

  Which mute earth can ne'er impart;

Nor in ocean wilt thou find,

  Nor in the circling air, a heart.

Fairest! wouldst thou perfect be,

Take, oh take that heart from me.

John Shaw