At twelve o'clock
to-night, I'll call again."
_John Ruskin._
* * * * *
NOTE.--"The King of the Golden River," from which the selection is
taken, is a charming story for children. It was written in 1841, for the
amusement of a sick child. It is said to be the finest story of its kind
in the language.
[Illustration:]
* * * * *
_81_
elf
en cir' cled
jerk
hur' ri cane
rein'deer
min' i a ture
tar' nished
A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS.
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse:
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And Mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St.
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