In dead of dark to the starry North St. Nicholas drew near; He had ranged the World this wintry night, His elk-bells jangling clear. Now bitter-worn with age was he, And weary of Mankind, for few Had shown him love or courtesy. His sacks lay empty -- all save one; And this to his affright Stirred as he stopped with fingers numb, Ablaze with hoar-frost bright. Aghast he stood. Showed fumbling thumb, Small shoulder, a wing: What stowaway Was this, and whence was't come? And out there crept a lovely Thing -- Half angel and half child: -- 'I, youngest of all Heaven, am here, To be thy Joy,' he smiled. 'O Nicholas, our Master Christ Thy grief hath seen; and He Hath bidden me come to keep His tryst, And bring His love to thee; To serve thee well, and sing, Nowell, And thine own son to be.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOWN BY THE CARIB SEA: 4. THE LOTTERY GIRL by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SONG TO THE MEN OF ENGLAND by THOMAS CAMPBELL THE LITTLE TURTLE by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY SHE IS FAR FROM THE LAND by THOMAS MOORE THE GRASS STEALERS by J. MURRAY ALLISON |