| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 957. The Child |
| | | At Bethlehem |
| | | By John Banister Tabb |
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I
LONG, long before the Babe could speak, | |
| When he would kiss his mother’s cheek | |
| And to her bosom press, | |
| The brightest angels standing near | |
| Would turn away to hide a tear— | 5 |
| For they are motherless. | |
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II
WHERE were ye, Birds, that bless His name, | |
| When wingless to the world He came, | |
| And wordless, though Himself the Word | |
| That made the blossom and the bird? | 10 |
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III
TO HIS MOTHER
HE brought a Lily white, | |
| That bowed its fragrant head | |
| And blushed a rosy red | |
| Before her fairer light. | |
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| He brought a Rose; and, lo, | 15 |
| The crimson blossom saw | |
| Her beauty, and in awe | |
| Became as white as snow. | |
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