STILL NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT (1957-58)

Why dost thou, noble traveller, climb the hill
That leads but to the peasant's humble home?
Thy trap which speedeth through the dusk unstill
Conveys thee where they know that thou wilt come.

Why bravest thou the snow and wind of night,
And leave with its bright joy thy village care,
And on this eve of lowliness and light
Ascend into the chilly mountain air?

He goes because his heart is full of love
For God and man, as all times, on this night,
And through that Light which cometh from Above,
Shares he in peasant family's delight.

So let us know that selfish joy and pleasure
Are far beneath the joy of love's true treasure.

D. HIGGS. 5