Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-01-01
by MRS. SOPHIA p. Snow.

But, then We been thinking that she used to
And God would hear everything mamma would
And perhaps she asked him to send Santa
With the sacks full of presents he brought |
well, why tant we pay dest as mamma did
then,
And ask him to send him with presents aden?"
I've been thinking so, too" And without
-Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor,
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed,
And two tiny hands were clasped close to each
breast
Nov Willie, you know we must firmly be-
lieve
That the presents we ask for wore sure to re-
You must wait just as still till say the Amen
And by that you will know that your turn has
come then"
Dear Jesus look down on my brother and me,
And grant US the favCr-we are asking OF Thee;
| want wax dolly, a tea set and ring,
And an ebony work-box that shuts with
spring.
Bless papa, dear Jesus and cause him to see
That Santa Claus loves us far better than he.
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie Amenl"
Please, Desus, ct Santa Taus tum down to-
night,
And bring us some presents before it is light;
/ want he should dive me nice little sed,
With bright, shiny runners, and all painted
yed
a box full of tandy, book and toy,
Amen, and then, Desus, I'll be good boy"
Their prayers being ended, they raised up their
heads
And with hearts light and cheerful again
sought their beds;
They were soon lost in slumber both peaceful
and deep,
And with fairies in Dreamland were roaming
in sleep,
Eight nine, and the little French clock had
struck ten,
Ere the father had thought of his children
He seems now to her Annies half-suppressed
signs,
And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue
Il was harsh with my darlings," he mentally
said,
And should not have sent them SO early tc
But then was troubled-my feelings found
vent,
For bank stock to-day has gone down ten pei
cent.
But of course they've forgot their troubles err
And that denied them the thrice-asked fol
kiss;
But, just to make sure, I'll steal up to the
For / never spoke harsh TO my darlings before.
So saying he softly assembled the stairs
And arrive at the door to hear both of thei
prayers,
His Armies 'bless papa draws forth the hi
fears,
And Wiilie's grave promise falls sweet on hi
Strange, strange. Id forgotten" said he wit
sigh,
How longed, when a.child,' to have Christ
mas drew nigh"
I'm atone for my harshness," he inward
by answering their prayers ere sleep in m
my bed"
Then ne turned to the stairs and softly wer
Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing
gown
Donned hat, coat and boots, and was out in til
street.
millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet;
Nor stopped he until he had brought ever
thing:
From the box full of candy TO the tiny go
ring;
Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store,
That the various presents outnumbered scor,
Then homeward ne turned with his holid'
load,
And witt, Aunt Mary's aid in the nursery it W
stored
Miss dollyiwas seated beneath pine tree,
By the side OF table spread out for her tea
A work box well filled in the center was laid,
And on it a ring, for which Annie had praye
A. soldier IN uniform stood by a sled,
With bright shining runners and all paint
There we're balls, dogs and horses. books ples
And birds Of all colors were perched in /
tree;
While Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in t
top,
AS II getting ready more presents 10 drop
And as the fond father the picture surveyed,
paid
And he said tohimself as he brushed of a te
Pm happier tonight than L We been for ye
I've enjoyed more true pleasure than ever
fore.
What care if bank stock fas ten per ee
morel
Hereafter I'll make II n rule, believe,
To have Santa Claus visit US each Christi
Eve"
So thinking he gently extnguished the ligh
And trippsd down the stairs 70 retire for
night
As soon as the beams of the bright morning
Put the darkness 10 fight, andthe stars, one
one,
Fourlttle blue eyes out of sleep opened W
And ut the same moment the presents esp
Then out Of their beds they sprang Will
bound, $50 s----