A NATIVITY

The Babe was laid in the Manger

Between the gentle kine —

All safe from cold and danger —

‘ But it was not so with mine.

( With mine! With mine! )

‘ Is it well with the child, is it well?’

The waiting mother prayed.

‘ For I know not how he fell,

And I know not where he is laid.’

A Star stood forth in Heaven,

The watchers ran to see

The Sign of the Promise given —

‘ But there comes no sign to me.

( To me! To me! )

‘ My child died in the dark.

Is it well with the child, is it well?

There was none to tend him or mark,

And I know not how he fell.’

The Cross was raised on high;

The Mother grieved beside —

‘ But the Mother saw Him die

And took Him when He died.

( He died! He died! )

‘ Seemly and undefiled

His burial-place was made —

Is it well, is it well with the child?

For I know not where he is laid.’

On the dawning of Easter Day

Comes Mary Magdalene;

But the Stone was rolled away,

And the Body was not within —

( Within! Within! )

‘ Ah, who will answer my word?’

The broken mother prayed.

‘ They have taken away my Lord,

And I know not where He is laid.’

The Star stands forth in Heaven.

The watchers watch in vain

For a Sign of the Promise given

Of peace on Earth again —

( Again! Again! )

‘ But I know for Whom he fell’ —

The steadfast mother smiled

‘ Is it well with the child — is it well?

It is well — it is well with the child!’