Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

’Twas Midnight

R. S. Trend

’TWAS Midnight, and the calm clear sky

Was studded o’er with gems of light;

No breeze went floating by

To break the stillness of that glorious night.

Tending their flocks with watchful care,

A lowly band of Shepherd-men,

Beneath the midnight air,

Were gathered on Judæa’s palmy plain.

Hark! whence is that melodious sound

Which bursts upon that listening ear,

Shedding on all around

A holy Joy, a reverential Fear?

Well may they turn their wondering glance

Enraptured, to the starry skies:

Well may such strains entrance,

And draw from earth to Heaven the dullest eyes.

’Tis from yon bright Celestial Band,

Those thrilling notes of glory ring:

Sent from the Heavenly Land,

Glad tidings of great Joy to earth to bring.

Glory to Thee, O Lord, most High—

Is the sweet music of their song,

While echo takes the cry

And wafts it far the vaulted arch along.

And Peace on earth, Good will toward men,

Will Christ the King of Glory bring;

Then let us join their strain,

And praises to the new-born Saviour sing.