The Christ-Child

    Across the waste, across the snow,
        O the pity!    O the pity!
    Past sentinel of friend and foe
        O the pity!    O the pity!
    Comes the Christ-Child clad in white
    Through the storm-clouds of the night.
    Bearing in His lily hands
    Gift of peace to warring lands,
        O the pity!    O the pity!

    "Adeste fideles!" sing the choirs
        O the pity!    O the pity!
    Lurid flame the battle fires
        O the pity!    O the pity!
    Shepherds hear the heavenly song,
    Mid the strife and piteous wrong;
    Peace on earth but not of men,
    Peace that knows not crime nor sin.
        O the pity!    O the pity!

    Lay your sceptres at His feet,
        O the pity!    O the pity!
    Christ, the Babe of Bethlehem, greet,
        O the pity!    O the pity!
    Legions stretched in battle line,
    Saw the star and knew the sign,
    Yet forgot that Christ was born
    Prince of Peace, on Christmas morn,
        O the pity!    O the pity!

    Christmas, 1914.

    For Mrs. George McIntyre.

Thomas O'Hagan

Thomas O'Hagan was a Canadian poet and essayist born on March 6, 1855, in Toronto, Ontario. He was noted for his contributions to Canadian literature and his involvement in educational initiatives. His works often reflected themes of Irish heritage and identity. O'Hagan's dedication to literature and education earned him a distinguished place in Canada's cultural history. He passed away on March 1, 1939.

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        Near where the shepherds watched by night
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Break over the waiting hill-tops,
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    Hark, in the steeple the dull bell swinging
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