A CATCH.

When roads are mired with ice and snow,

And the air of morn is crisp with rime;

When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,

And bells ring in the CHRISTMAS time:—

It's — Saddle, my Heart, and ride away,

To the sweet-faced girl with the eyes of gray!

Who waits with a smile for the gifts you bring —

A man's strong love and a wedding-ring —

It's — Saddle, my Heart, and ride!

When vanes veer North and storm-winds blow,

And the sun of noon is a blur o'erhead;

When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,

And the CHRISTMAS service is sung and said:—

It's — Come, O my Heart, and wait awhile,

Where the organ peals, in the altar aisle,

For the gifts that the church now gives to you —

A woman's hand and a heart that's true.

It's — Come, O my Heart, and wait!

When rooms gleam warm with the fire's glow,

And the sleet raps sharp on the window-pane;

When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,

And CHRISTMAS revels begin again:—

It's — Home, O my Heart, and love, at last!

And her happy breast to your own held fast;

A song to sing and a tale to tell,

A good-night kiss, and all is well.

It's — Home, O my Heart, and love!