Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (16 page)

Lady dear, if Fairies may
 For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
 ‘Tis at happy Christmas-tide.

We have heard the children say –
 Gentle children, whom we love –
Long ago, on Christmas Day,
 Came a message from above.

Still, as Christmas-tide comes round,
 They remember it again –
Echo still the joyful sound,
 ‘Peace on earth, good-will to men.'

Yet the hearts must child-like be
 Where such heavenly guests abide.
Unto children, in their glee,
 All the year is Christmas-tide.

Thus, forgetting tricks and play
 For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
 Merry Christmas, glad New Year.