The Oxen

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock, 'Now they are all on their knees'
An elder said as we sat in a flock by the embers in hearth side ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where they dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there t o doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave in these years ! yet, I feel
If someone said on Christinas eve ' Come ; see the oxen kneel'

In the lonely barton by yonder coomb o ur childhood used to know,
I should go with him in the gloom, hoping it might be so.

---