He comes in the night! He comes in the night!
He softly, silently comes;
While the little brown heads on the pillows so white Are dreaming of bugles and drums.
He cuts through the snow like a ship through the foam, While the white flakes around him whirl;I know not who tells, but he findeth the home Of each good little boy and girl.
His sleigh is long, and deep, and wide, It will carry a host of things,While dozens of drums hang over the side, With the sticks sticking under the strings.
And yet not the sound of a drum is heard, Not a bugle blast is blown,As he mounts to the chimney-top like a bird, And drops to the hearth like a stone.
The little red stockings he silently fills, Till the stockings will hold no more;The bright little sleds for the great snow hillsAre quickly set down on the floor.
Then Santa Claus mounts to the roof like a bird, And glides to his seat in the sleigh;Not the sound of a bugle or drum is heard As he noiselessly gallops away.
He rides to the East and he rides to the West, Of his goodies he touches not one;He eateth the crumbs of the Christmas feast When the dear little folks are done.
Old Santa Claus doth all that he can, This beautiful mission is his;Then, children, be good to the little old man, When you find who the little man is.
Author.-The author is not known.
General Notes.-Who is Santa Claus? Does he come through the snow in Australia? What other things does he carry in his sleigh besides those mentioned in the poem? It is said that his real name is Love. What do you think?
Drawn by W.S. Wemyss
A Welcome Visitor