Beyond each vacant glen and moor Sweet carols fill the starry eve; I hear them echo as they leave My native land, to reach this shore. In wintertime fond memories stray Past rolling seas to reach my soul; They seek to make my sad heart whole Before each Christmas holiday. The calm pastoral fields of green, Which wander from the Severn’s shore, Will spread across my mind once more; Oh picturesque and lovely scene! The gray clouds passing somber hills Now rise up from the mists below; Their white caps fill with sprinkled snow, Just as my heart with longing fills-- To breathe the brisk and chilly air Of Bredon, only half expressed By longing beats within my breast, As England faintly calls me there. With chiming bells from ancient towers, And holly trimming icy eaves Above the leafless darkened trees-- December cheer come fill my hours! Come light, the crackling cedar bough Will brighten panes revealing frost; Oh, spark the flame, lest I have lost That Christmas joy; I seek it now. Oh, England, soothe my heart’s desire With sweet traditions of my past; For now I bring them here, at last, To share around this Christmas fire. |