The Vinton record. [volume] (M'arthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1866-1891, 1874-12-24

member their little ones more kindly
than heretofore. rH s't- --s.-
Twas rhe eve before Christmas (;
'GOod night" had been said.
And Annie and willie had crPpt into
rtg bed: E1. 7f-r u1
There we're tears on their pillows.
and tears In their eyes,
And each little heart was heavy with
sighs-
For tonight their stern fathers COM
mand had been given,
That they should retire precisely at
aeven.
Instead Of eight; for they troubled
him more rrfsla,t
With questions unheard Of than ever
before:
Tie had told them he thought this de-
lnsiOn a sin.
No such being as Santa Claus" ever
az had been, ~ -+
And he hoped after this, he should
never m re hear
How he scrambled down chimneys
with presents each " ar,
And this W S the reason the two little
~ heads, ..at sa
So restlessly tossed on their soft.
u. 3owny beds. . ..t
Eight. nine. and the clock on the
stprple tolled ten; .
Not a word had been spoken by either
till then.
When Willir's sad face from the blan-
ket did peep.
And whispered. dear Annie. is you
fast aslernp"
"Why. 10, brother Willie" n sweet
voice replies.
III have tried it in vain. but can't
shut my ewes;
For, SOM how it makes me sorry be-
cause
DearpapN has Said there is no Santa
Claus;
Now we know there is, and 1t can't
be denlpd
For he cam" every v ear before NAM
Bio. ma died;
But then. I've been thinking that she
used tn pra-.
And Col would hear everything
mamma would say.
Ana nerhaps she rs ed him to send
! Santa Claus here.
With the sacks full Of presents h,
brought every year"
swell, why tan't we pray dest as
mamma did then.
And ask him to send him with pres
ents aden?'
"I've been thinking so too" Ant
without word more,
Four little bare feet bounded ont OF
the floor,
And four little knees the soft carpe
pressed,
And two tiny hauds were claspcC
close to each breast
Now. Willie you know we mus
firmly believe
That the presents we ask for we'r,
sure to receive;
You must wait just as still till I sa!
the Amen
And by that you will know that you
turn has come then"
Dear Jesus. look down on my broth
er and me.
And grant MS the gifts we are askin!
of thee;
want a wax dolly, tea chest ant
ring.
And an ebony work-box that shut
up with a spring;
Bless papa. dear Jesus, and cause hin
to see
That Santa Claus loves us far bette
than he;
Don't let him get iretful and angr.
again
|
At dear brother Willie and Annie
Amen.'"
2 Please Desus. 'et Santa Taus tur
down Tonight.
And bring us some preseats before
islight.
| want he should dive me nice littl
sed.
With bright shiny rudders. and a
painted red;
A box-ull OF tandy, a book and toy
Amen. and then Desus Ill be goo
boy
Their prayers being ended they rails
ed up :heir heads,
And with hearts light and cheeriu
again sought their beds;
They were soou lost III slumber, pot
peace ful and deep
And with fairies IN Drpamland wer
ron ming in sleep.
Eight, nine. and the little Frenc
, clock had struck ten.
Ere the father had thought Of his chi
dren again; -s.
He seems now to hear Annie's hall
sup pressed sighs,
And co see the big tears in Willie
Il blue eyes.
81 was harsh with my darlings," b
mentally said,
sand should not have sent them $
so early to bed;
A. 49, 4 ,..o. ,..,u IIa1-nrr foQItn