Back Aa

Old Christmas: From the Sketch Book of Washington Irving

<div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Front matter"> <tr><td align='left'><ANTIMG src="images/cover.jpg" width-obs="270" height-obs="400" alt="Cover" title="Cover" /> </td><td align='left'><ANTIMG src="images/titlepage.jpg" width-obs="286" height-obs="400" alt="Title Page" title="Title Page" /> </td></tr> </table></div> [i] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> [ii] <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/title.jpg" width-obs="250" height-obs="41" alt="CHRISTMAS" title="CHRISTMAS" /></div> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/printer.png" width-obs="100" height-obs="30" alt="publisher's logo" title="publisher's logo" /></div> <div class='center'>FIFTH EDITION</div> [iii] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/frontis.jpg" width-obs="281" height-obs="400" alt=""The old family mansion, partly thrown in deep shadow, and partly lit up by the cold moonshine"—Frontispiece." title=""The old family mansion, partly thrown in deep shadow, and partly lit up by the cold moonshine"—Frontispiece." /> "The old family mansion, partly thrown in deep shadow, and partly lit up by the cold moonshine" —Frontispiece.</div> <h1>Old Christmas:</h1> <h3> FROM THE </h3> <h2>Sketch Book of Washington Irving. Illustrated by R Caldecott </h2> <div class='center'> London. Macmillan & Co 1886 </div> [iv] <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/fireplace.jpg" width-obs="400" height-obs="285" alt="Hue and Cry after Christmas" title="Hue and Cry after Christmas" /></div> [v] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/preface.jpg" width-obs="400" height-obs="236" alt="PREFACE" title="PREFACE" /></div> Before the remembrance of the good old times, so fast passing, should have entirely passed away, the present artist, R. Caldecott, and engraver, James D. Cooper, planned to illustrate Washington Irving's "Old Christmas" in this manner. Their primary idea was to carry out the principle of the Sketch Book, by incorporating the designs with the text. Throughout they have worked together and con amore. With what success the public must decide.                 November 1875. [vii] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/contentsa.jpg" width-obs="350" height-obs="216" alt="CONTENTS" title="CONTENTS" /></div> <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> <tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='left'>page</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Christmas</td><td align='right'>1</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Stage Coach</td><td align='right'>17</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Christmas Eve</td><td align='right'>41</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Christmas Day</td><td align='right'>75</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Christmas Dinner              </td><td align='right'>117</td></tr> </table></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/contentsb.jpg" width-obs="250" height-obs="143" alt="Food" title="Food" /></div> [ix] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/illustrations.jpg" width-obs="350" height-obs="194" alt="LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS" title="LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS" /></div> <div class='center'>DESIGNED BY RANDOLPH CALDECOTT, AND ARRANGED AND ENGRAVED BY J. D. COOPER.</div> <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="List of Illustrations"> <tr><td align='left'>The Old Mansion by Moonlight—Frontispiece.</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Title-Page.</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'> </td><td align='right'>page</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Ancient Fireplace</td><td align='right'>iv</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Heading to Preface</td><td align='right'>v</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Heading to Contents</td><td align='right'>vii</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Tailpiece to Contents</td><td align='right'>vii</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Heading to List of Illustrations</td><td align='right'>ix</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Tailpiece to List of Illustrations</td><td align='right'>xiv</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"The Poor from the Gates were not chidden"</td><td align='right'>xvi</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>[x]Heading to Christmas</td><td align='right'>1</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Mouldering Tower</td><td align='right'>2</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Christmas Anthem in Cathedral</td><td align='right'>4</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Wanderer's Return</td><td align='right'>5</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"Nature lies despoiled of every Charm"</td><td align='right'>6</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"The Honest Face of Hospitality"</td><td align='right'>8</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"The Shy Glance of Love"</td><td align='right'>8</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Old Hall of Castle</td><td align='right'>10</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Great Oaken Gallery</td><td align='right'>12</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Waits</td><td align='right'>14</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"And sit down Darkling and Repining"</td><td align='right'>16</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Stage Coach</td><td align='right'>19</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Three Schoolboys</td><td align='right'>20</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Old English Stage Coachman</td><td align='right'>23</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"He throws down the Reins with something of an Air"</td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Stable Imitators</td><td align='right'>26</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Public House</td><td align='right'>28</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Housemaid</td><td align='right'>29</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Smithy</td><td align='right'>30</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"Now or never must Music be in Tune"</td><td align='right'>32</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Country Maid</td><td align='right'>32</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Old Servant and Bantam</td><td align='right'>34</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>[xi]A Neat Country Seat</td><td align='right'>35</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Inn Kitchen</td><td align='right'>37</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Recognition. Tailpiece</td><td align='right'>40</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Post-chaise</td><td align='right'>43</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Lodge Gate</td><td align='right'>46</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Old Primitive Dame</td><td align='right'>46</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"The Little Dogs and All"</td><td align='right'>49</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Mistletoe</td><td align='right'>52</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Squire's Reception</td><td align='right'>53</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Family Party</td><td align='right'>54</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Toys</td><td align='right'>55</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Yule Log</td><td align='right'>57</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Squire in his Hereditary Chair</td><td align='right'>58</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Family Plate</td><td align='right'>60</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Master Simon</td><td align='right'>61</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Young Girl</td><td align='right'>62</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Her Mother</td><td align='right'>62</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Old Harper</td><td align='right'>65</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Master Simon Dancing</td><td align='right'>67</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Oxonian and his Maiden Aunt</td><td align='right'>68</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Young Officer with his Guitar</td><td align='right'>70</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Fair Julia</td><td align='right'>72</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Asleep</td><td align='right'>74</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>[xii]Christmas Day</td><td align='right'>77</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Children's Carol</td><td align='right'>78</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Robin on the Mountain Ash</td><td align='right'>80</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Master Simon as Clerk</td><td align='right'>81</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Breakfast</td><td align='right'>84</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Viewing the Dogs</td><td align='right'>85</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Master Simon going to Church</td><td align='right'>88</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Village Church</td><td align='right'>91</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Parson</td><td align='right'>93</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Rebuking the Sexton</td><td align='right'>95</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Effigy of a Warrior</td><td align='right'>96</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Master Simon at Church</td><td align='right'>97</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Village Choir</td><td align='right'>97</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Village Tailor</td><td align='right'>98</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>An Old Chorister</td><td align='right'>100</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Sermon</td><td align='right'>101</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Churchyard Greetings</td><td align='right'>104</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Frosty Thraldom of Winter</td><td align='right'>106</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Merry Old English Games</td><td align='right'>109</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Poor at Home</td><td align='right'>110</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Village Antics</td><td align='right'>112</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Tasting the Squire's Ale</td><td align='right'>113</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Wit of the Village</td><td align='right'>115</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>[xiii]Coquettish Housemaid</td><td align='right'>116</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Antique Sideboard</td><td align='right'>119</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Cook with the Rolling-Pin</td><td align='right'>120</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Warrior's Arms</td><td align='right'>121</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"Flagons, Cans, Cups, Beakers, Goblets, Basins, and Ewers"          </td><td align='right'>122</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Christmas Dinner</td><td align='right'>123</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>A High Roman Nose</td><td align='right'>124</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Parson said Grace</td><td align='right'>125</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Boar's Head</td><td align='right'>126</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Fat-headed Old Gentleman</td><td align='right'>129</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Peacock Pie</td><td align='right'>130</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Wassail Bowl</td><td align='right'>132</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Squire's Toast</td><td align='right'>134</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Long-winded Joker</td><td align='right'>136</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Long Stories</td><td align='right'>138</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Parson and the Pretty Milkmaid</td><td align='right'>139</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Master Simon grows Maudlin</td><td align='right'>140</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Blue-Eyed Romp</td><td align='right'>143</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Parson's Tale</td><td align='right'>144</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Sexton's Rebuff</td><td align='right'>146</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Crusader's Night Ride</td><td align='right'>148</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Ancient Christmas and Dame Mince-Pie</td><td align='right'>151</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>[xiv]Robin Hood and Maid Marian</td><td align='right'>152</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Minuet</td><td align='right'>153</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Roast Beef, Plum Pudding, and Misrule</td><td align='right'>153</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The Christmas Dance in Costume</td><td align='right'>154</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"Chuckling and Rubbing his Hands"</td><td align='right'>155</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>"Echoing back the Joviality of long-departed Years"</td><td align='right'>157</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Retrospect</td><td align='right'>159</td></tr> </table></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/illustrationsb.jpg" width-obs="250" height-obs="177" alt="Men carrying greens" title="Men carrying greens" /></div> <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/titleb.jpg" width-obs="200" height-obs="50" alt="CHRISTMAS" title="CHRISTMAS" /></div> [xvi] <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0022.jpg" width-obs="184" height-obs="200" alt="A man might then behold" title="A man might then behold" /></div> <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="A man might then behold"> <tr><td align='left'>A man might then behold</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>At Christmas, in each hall</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Good fires to curb the cold,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>And meat for great and small.</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The neighbours were friendly bidden,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>And all had welcome true,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The poor from the gates were not chidden,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>When this old cap was new.</td></tr> <tr><td align='right'>Old Song.</td></tr> </table></div> [1] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0023top.jpg" width-obs="371" height-obs="126" alt="CHRISTMAS" title="CHRISTMAS" /></div> <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0023t.jpg" width-obs="67" height-obs="170" alt="T" title="T" /></div> <div class="div2">here is nothing in England that exercises a more delightful spell over my imagination than the lingerings of the holiday customs and rural games of former times. They recall the pictures my fancy used to draw in the May morning of life, when as yet I only knew the world through books, and believed it to be all that poets had painted it; and they bring with them the flavour of those honest days of yore, in which, perhaps with equal fallacy, I am apt to think the world was more home-bred, social, and joyous than at present. I regret to say that they are daily growing more and more faint, being gradually[2] worn away by time, but still more obliterated by modern fashion. They resemble those picturesque morsels of Gothic architecture which we see crumbling in various parts of the country, partly dilapidated by the waste of ages, and partly lost in the additions and alterations of latter days. Poetry, however, clings with cherishing fondness about the rural game and holiday revel, from[3] which it has derived so many of its themes—as the ivy winds its rich foliage about the Gothic arch and mouldering tower, gratefully repaying their support by clasping together their tottering remains, and, as it were, embalming them in verdure.</div> <div class="figright"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0024.jpg" width-obs="203" height-obs="250" alt="The Mouldering Tower" title="The Mouldering Tower" /></div> Of all the old festivals, however, that of Christmas awakens the strongest and most heartfelt associations. There is a tone of solemn and sacred feeling that blends with our conviviality, and lifts the spirit to a state of hallowed and elevated enjoyment. The services of the church about this season are extremely tender and inspiring. They dwell on the beautiful story of the origin of our faith, and the pastoral scenes that accompanied its announcement. They gradually increase in fervour and pathos during the season of Advent, until they break forth in full jubilee on the morning that brought peace and good-will to men. I do not know a grander effect of music on the moral feelings than to hear the[4] full choir and the pealing organ performing a Christmas anthem in a cathedral, and filling every part of the vast pile with triumphant harmony. <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0026.jpg" width-obs="161" height-obs="400" alt="Christmas Anthem in Cathedral" title="Christmas Anthem in Cathedral" /></div> It is a beautiful arrangement, also, derived from days of yore, that this festival, which commemorates the announcement of the religion of peace and love, has been made the season for gathering together of family[5] connections, and drawing closer again those bands of kindred hearts which the cares and pleasures and sorrows of the world are continually operating to cast loose; of calling back the children of a family who have launched forth in life, and wandered widely asunder, once more to assemble about the paternal hearth, that rallying-place of the affections, there to grow young and loving again among the endearing mementoes of childhood. <div class="figright"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0027.jpg" width-obs="215" height-obs="250" alt="The Wanderer's Return" title="The Wanderer's Return" /></div> There is something in the very season of the year that gives a charm to the festivity of Christmas. At other times we derive a great portion of our pleasures from the mere beauties of nature.[6] Our feelings sally forth and dissipate themselves over the sunny landscape, and we "live abroad and everywhere." The song of the bird, the murmur of the stream, the breathing fragrance of spring, the soft voluptuousness of summer, the golden pomp of autumn; earth with its mantle of refreshing green, and heaven with its deep delicious blue and its cloudy magnificence, all fill us with mute but exquisite delight, and we revel in the luxury of mere sensation. But in the depth of winter, when nature lies despoiled of every charm, and wrapped in her shroud of sheeted snow, we turn for our gratifications to moral sources. The dreariness and desolation of the landscape, the short gloomy days and[7] darksome nights, while they circumscribe our wanderings, shut in our feelings also from rambling abroad, and make us more keenly disposed for the pleasures of the social circle. Our thoughts are more concentrated; our friendly sympathies more aroused. We feel more sensibly the charm of each other's society, and are brought more closely together by dependence on each other for enjoyment. Heart calleth unto heart; and we draw our pleasures from the deep wells of living kindness, which lie in the quiet recesses of our bosoms; and which, when resorted to, furnish forth the pure element of domestic felicity. <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0028.jpg" width-obs="350" height-obs="135" alt=""Nature lies despoiled of every Charm"" title=""Nature lies despoiled of every Charm"" /></div> <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0030.jpg" width-obs="261" height-obs="225" alt=""The Honest Face of Hospitality"" title=""The Honest Face of Hospitality"" /></div> The pitchy gloom without makes the heart dilate on entering the room filled with the glow and warmth of the evening fire. The ruddy blaze diffuses an artificial summer and sunshine through the room, and lights up each countenance into a kindlier welcome. Where does the honest face of hospitality expand into a broader[8] and more cordial smile—where is the shy glance of love more sweetly eloquent—than by the winter fireside? and as the hollow blast of wintry wind rushes through the hall, claps the distant[9] door, whistles about the casement, and rumbles down the chimney, what can be more grateful than that feeling of sober and sheltered security with which we look round upon the comfortable chamber and the scene of domestic hilarity? <div class="figright"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0030b.jpg" width-obs="173" height-obs="200" alt=""The Shy Glance of Love"" title=""The Shy Glance of Love"" /></div> The English, from the great prevalence of rural habits throughout every class of society, have always been fond of those festivals and holidays which agreeably interrupt the stillness of country life; and they were, in former days, particularly observant of the religious and social rites of Christmas. It is inspiring to read even the dry details which some antiquarians have given of the quaint humours, the burlesque pageants, the complete abandonment to mirth and good-fellowship, with which this festival was celebrated. It seemed to throw open every door, and unlock every heart. It brought the peasant and the peer together, and blended all ranks in one warm generous flow of joy and kindness. The old halls of castles and manor-houses re[10]sounded with the harp and the Christmas carol, and their ample boards groaned under the weight of hospitality. Even the poorest cottage welcomed the festive season with green decorations of bay and holly—the cheerful fire glanced its rays through the lattice, inviting the passenger to raise the latch, and join the gossip knot huddled round the hearth, beguiling the long evening with legendary jokes and oft-told Christmas tales. <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0032.jpg" width-obs="200" height-obs="300" alt="Old Hall of Castle" title="Old Hall of Castle" /></div> One of the least pleasing effects of modern refinement is the havoc it has made among the hearty old holiday customs. It has completely taken off the sharp touchings and spirited reliefs of these embellishments of life, and has worn down society into a more smooth and polished,[11] but certainly a less characteristic surface. Many of the games and ceremonials of Christmas have entirely disappeared, and, like the sherris sack of old Falstaff, are become matters of speculation and dispute among commentators. They flourished in times full of spirit and lustihood, when men enjoyed life roughly, but heartily and vigorously; times wild and picturesque, which have furnished poetry with its richest materials, and the drama with its most attractive variety of characters and manners. The world has become more worldly. There is more of dissipation, and less of enjoyment. Pleasure has expanded into a broader, but a shallower stream, and has forsaken many of those deep and quiet channels where it flowed sweetly through the calm bosom of domestic life. Society has acquired a more enlightened and elegant tone; but it has lost many of its strong local peculiarities, its home-bred feelings, its honest fireside delights. The traditionary customs of golden-hearted antiquity,[12] its feudal hospitalities, and lordly wassailings, have passed away with the baronial castles and stately manor-houses in which they were celebrated. They comported with the shadowy hall, the great oaken gallery, and the tapestried parlour, but are unfitted to the light showy[13] saloons and gay drawing-rooms of the modern villa. <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0034.jpg" width-obs="283" height-obs="285" alt="The Great Oaken Gallery" title="The Great Oaken Gallery" /></div> Shorn, however, as it is, of its ancient and festive honours, Christmas is still a period of delightful excitement in England. It is gratifying to see that home-feeling completely aroused which seems to hold so powerful a place in every English bosom. The preparations making on every side for the social board that is again to unite friends and kindred; the presents of good cheer passing and repassing, those tokens of regard, and quickeners of kind feelings; the evergreens distributed about houses and churches, emblems of peace and gladness; all these have the most pleasing effect in producing fond associations, and kindling benevolent sympathies. Even the sound of the waits, rude as may be their minstrelsy, breaks upon the mid-watches of a winter night with the effect of perfect harmony. As I have been awakened by them in that still and solemn hour, "when deep sleep falleth upon[14] man," I have listened with a hushed delight, and connecting them with the sacred and joyous occasion, have almost fancied them into another celestial choir, announcing peace and good-will to mankind. <div class="figleft"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0036.jpg" width-obs="224" height-obs="300" alt="The Waits" title="The Waits" /></div> How delightfully the imagination, when wrought upon by these moral influences, turns everything to melody and beauty: The very crowing of the cock, who is sometimes heard in the profound repose of the country, "telling the night watches to his feathery dames," was thought by the common people to announce the approach of this sacred festival:[15]— <div class='center'> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes"> <tr><td align='left'>"Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>This bird of dawning singeth all night long:</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad;</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>The nights are wholesome—then no planets strike,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>No fairy takes, no witch hath power to charm,</td></tr> <tr><td align='left'>So hallow'd and so gracious is the time."</td></tr> </table></div> Amidst the general call to happiness, the bustle of the spirits, and stir of the affections, which prevail at this period, what bosom can remain insensible? It is, indeed, the season of regenerated feeling—the season for kindling, not merely the fire of hospitality in the hall, but the genial flame of charity in the heart. <div class="figright"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0038.jpg" width-obs="197" height-obs="250" alt=""And sit down Darkling and Repining"" title=""And sit down Darkling and Repining"" /></div> The scene of early love again rises green to memory beyond the sterile waste of years; and the idea of home, fraught with the fragrance of home-dwelling joys, re-animates the drooping spirit,—as the Arabian breeze will sometimes waft the freshness of the distant fields to the weary pilgrim of the desert. Stranger and sojourner as I am in the land—though for me no social hearth may blaze, no[16] hospitable roof throw open its doors, nor the warm grasp of friendship welcome me at the threshold—yet I feel the influence of the season beaming into my soul from the happy looks of those around me. Surely happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven; and every countenance, bright with smiles, and glowing with innocent enjoyment, is a mirror transmitting to others the rays of a supreme and ever-shining benevolence. He who can turn churlishly away from contemplating the felicity of his fellow-beings, and sit down darkling and repining in his loneliness when all around is joyful, may have his moments of strong excitement and selfish gratification, but he wants the genial and social sympathies which constitute the charm of a merry Christmas. [17] <hr style="width: 65%;" />[18] <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/stagecoachtitle.png" width-obs="300" height-obs="78" alt="The Stage Coach" title="The Stage Coach" /></div> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0040songframe.jpg" width-obs="300" height-obs="347" alt="Old Holiday School Song." title="Old Holiday School Song." /></div> [19] <hr style="width: 65%;" /> <div class="figcenter"> <ANTIMG src="images/oldchristmas_0041a.jpg" width-obs="350" height-obs="225" alt="The Stage Coach" title="The Stage Coach" /></div> <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

1 of 2

2 of 2

Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.