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Villagers all, this frosty tide, Let your doors swing open wide, Though wind may follow, and snow beside, Yet draw us in by your fire to bide; Joy shall be yours in the morning! |
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Here we stand in the cold and the sleet, Blowing fingers and stamping feet, Come from far away you to greet-- You by the fire and we in the street-- Bidding you joy in the morning! |
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For ere one half of the night was gone, Sudden a star has led us on, Raining bliss and benison--Bliss to-morrow and more anon, Joy for every morning! |
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Goodman Joseph toiled through the snow-- Saw the star o'er a stable low; Mary she might not further go-- Welcome thatch, and litter below! Joy was hers in the morning! |
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And then they heard the angels tell `Who were the first to cry NOWELL? Animals all, as it befell, In the stable where they did dwell! Joy shall be theirs in the morning!' |
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The voices ceased, the singers, bashful but smiling, exchanged sidelong glances, and silence succeeded--but for a moment only. Then, from up above and far away, down the tunnel they had so lately travelled was borne to their ears in a faint musical hum the sound of distant bells ringing a joyful and clangorous peal. |
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`Very well sung, boys!' cried the Rat heartily. `And now come along in, all of you, and warm yourselves by the fire, and have something hot!' |
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`Yes, come along, field-mice,' cried the Mole eagerly. `This is quite like old times! Shut the door after you. Pull up that settle to the fire. Now, you just wait a minute, while we--O, Ratty!' he cried in despair, plumping down on a seat, with tears impending. `Whatever are we doing? We've nothing to give them!' |
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`You leave all that to me,' said the masterful Rat. `Here, you with the lantern! Come over this way. I want to talk to you. Now, tell me, are there any shops open at this hour of the night?' |
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