file :i* includes ! orig9al illu/rations4 ,see #afacd-;h4htm or #afacd-;h4zip3 7https3_/_/www4gut5b]g4org_/dirs_/#a_/f_ /a_/c_/afacd_/afacd-;h_/#afacd-;h4htm7 or 7https3_/_/www4gut5b]g4org_/dirs_/#a_/f_ /a_/c_/afacd_/afacd-;h4zip7 ,,! ,,fir/ ,,*ri/mas ,,tree ,a ,/ory ( ! ,=e/ by ,,h5ry ,,van ,,dyke ,illu/rat$ by ,h[>d ,pyle ,*>les ,scribn]'s ,sons ,new ,york ,univ]sity ,press3 ,john ,wilson & ,son1 ,cambridge1 ,u4,s4,a4 ,,mdcccxcvii ,illu/ration--,s !y took ! little fir f its place ,,cont5ts ,i ,! ,call ( ! ,woodsman ,,ii ,! ,trail ,?r\gh ! ,=e/ ,,iii ,! ,%ad[ ( ! ,?und]-,oak ,,iv ,! ,fell+ ( ! ,tree ,,illu/rations ,photogravures f ,orig9al ,draw+s by ,h[>d ,pyle4 ,s !y took ! little fir f its place 4 4 4 7,frontispiece7 ,! fields ar\nd lay b>e to ! moon 4 4 4 ,! sacr$ hamm] ( ! ,god ,?or 4 4 4 ,!n ,w9fri$ told ! /ory ( ,be?lehem 4 4 4 ,i ,,! ,,call ,,( ,,! ,,woodsman ,i ,! day be=e ,*ri/mas1 9 ! ye> ( our ,"l #gbb4 ,broad sn[-mead[s gli/5+ :ite along ! banks ( ! riv] ,moselle2 pallid hill-sides bloom+ ) my/ic roses :]e ! gl[ ( ! sett+ sun /ill l+]$ ^u !m2 an ar* ( cle>e/1 fa9te/ azure b5d+ ov]head2 9 ! c5t] ( ! a]ial l&scape ( ! massive walls ( ! cloi/] ( ,pfalzel1 gray to ! ea/1 purple to ! we/2 sil5ce ov] all1--a g5tle1 eag]1 consci\s /illness1 diffus$ ?r\gh ! air l p]fume1 z if e>? & sky 7 hu%+ !mselves to he> ! voice ( ! riv] fa9tly murmur+ d[n ! valley4 ,9 ! cloi/]1 too1 !re 0 sil5ce at ! sunset h\r4 ,all day long !re _h be5 a /range & joyful /ir among ! nuns4 ,a breeze ( curiosity & excitem5t _h swept along ! corridors & ?r\gh e quiet cell4 ,! eld] si/]s1--! provo/1 ! deaconess1 ! /ew>dess1 ! portress ) h] huge bun* ( keys j+l+ at h] girdle1--_h be5 hurry+ to & fro1 busi$ ) h\sehold c>es4 ,9 ! huge kit*5 !re 0 a bu/le ( hospitable prep>ation4 ,! little b&y-legg$ dogs t kept ! spits turn+ be=e ! fires _h be5 trott+ /eadily = _m an h\r1 until _! tongues hung out = want ( brea?4 ,! big black pots sw++ f ! cranes _h bubbl$ & gurgl$ & %ak5 & s5t out puffs ( appetiz+ /eam4 ,/4 ,m>?a 0 9 h] elem5t4 ,x 0 a field-day = h] virtues4 ,! y\ng] si/]s1 ! pupils ( ! conv5t1 _h =sak5 _! ,lat9 books & _! embroid]y-frames1 _! manuscripts & _! m9iatures1 & flutt]$ ?r\gh ! halls 9 little flocks l m]ry sn[-birds1 all 9 black & :ite1 *att]+ & :isp]+ toge!r4 ,?is 0 no day = t$i\s task-"w1 no day = gramm> or ari?metic1 no day = pick+ out illum9at$ lett]s 9 r$ & gold on /iff p>*m5t1 or pati5tly *as+ intricate patt]ns ov] ?ick clo? ) ! sl[ ne$le4 ,x 0 a holiday4 ,a fam\s visitor _h come to ! conv5t4 ,x 0 ,w9fri$ ( ,engl&1 ^: "n 9 ! ,roman tongue 0 ,boniface1 & :om m5 call$ ! ,apo/le ( ,g]many4 ,a great prea*]2 a wond]ful s*ol>2 he _h writt5 a ,lat9 gramm> himself1--?9k ( x1--& he c\ld h>dly sleep )\t a book "u 8 pill[2 b1 m ?an all1 a great & d>+ travell]1 a v5turesome pilgrim1 a high-prie/ ( romance4 ,he _h left 8 home & 8 fair e/ate 9 ,wessex2 he w\ld n /ay 9 ! ri* mona/]y ( ,nutescelle1 ev5 ?\gh !y _h *os5 him z ! abbot2 he _h refus$ a bi%opric at ! c\rt ( ,k+ ,k>l4 ,no?+ w\ld cont5t him b to g out into ! wild woods & prea* to ! hea!n4 ,up & d[n ?r\gh ! =e/s ( ,hesse & ,?ur+ia1 & along ! bord]s ( ,saxony1 he _h w&]$ = ye>s1 ) a h&ful ( companions1 sleep+ "u ! trees1 cross+ m\nta9s & m>%es1 n[ "h1 n[ !re1 nev] satisfi$ ) ease & com=t1 always 9 love ) h>d%ip & dang]4 ,:at a man he 06 ,fair & slight1 b /raight z a spe> & /rong z an oak5 /aff4 ,8 face 0 /ill "y2 ! smoo? sk9 0 bronz$ by w+ & sun4 ,8 gray eyes1 cle> & k9d1 fla%$ l fire :5 he spoke ( 8 adv5tures1 & ( ! evil de$s ( ! false prie/s ) :om he _h cont5d$4 ,:at tales he _h told t day6 ,n ( miracles wr\ght by sacr$ relics2 nor ( c\rts & c\ncils & spl5did ca!drals2 ?\gh he knew mu* ( ^! ?+s1 & _h be5 at ,rome & receiv$ ! ,pope's bless+4 ,b to-day he _h spok5 ( long j\rney+s by sea & l&2 ( p]ils by fire & flood2 ( wolves & be>s & fi]ce sn[/orms & black nights 9 ! lonely =e/2 ( d>k alt>s ( heav5 gods1 & weird1 bloody sacrifices1 & n>r[ escapes f w&]+ savages4 ,! little novices _h ga!r$ ar\nd him1 & _! faces _h gr[n pale & _! eyes bright z !y li/5$ ) p>t$ lips1 entranc$ 9 admiration1 tw9+ _! arms ab\t "o ano!r's %\ld]s & hold+ closely toge!r1 half 9 fe>1 half 9 delight4 ,! old] nuns _h turn$ f _! tasks & paus$1 9 pass+ by1 to he> ! pilgrim's /ory4 ,too well !y knew ! tru? ( :at he spoke4 ,_m a "o among !m _h se5 ! smoke ris+ f ! ru9s ( h] fa!r's ro(4 ,_m a "o _h a bro!r f> away 9 ! wild c\ntry to :om h] he>t w5t out night & day1 wond]+ if he 7 /ill among ! liv+4 ,b n[ ! excitem5ts ( t wond]ful day 7 ov]2 ! h\rs ( ! ev5+ meal _h come2 ! inmates ( ! cloi/] 7 assembl$ 9 ! refectory4 ,on ! dais sat ! /ately ,abbess ,addula1 daught] ( ,k+ ,dagob]t1 look+ a pr9cess inde$1 9 h] violet tunic1 ) ! hood & cuffs ( h] long :ite robe trimm$ ) fur1 & a sn[y veil re/+ l a cr[n on h] sn[y hair4 ,at h] "r h& 0 ! hon\r$ gue/1 & at h] left h& h] gr&son1 ! "y ,pr9ce ,gregor1 a big1 manly boy1 j return$ f s*ool4 ,! long1 %ad[y hall1 ) its d>k-br[n rat]s & beams2 ! d\ble r[s ( nuns1 ) _! pure veils & fair faces2 ! ruddy fl[ ( ! slant+ sunbeams /rik+ upw>ds ?r\gh ! tops ( ! w9d[s & pa9t+ a p9k gl[ high up on ! walls1--x 0 all z beautiful z a picture1 & z sil5t4 ,= ?is 0 ! rule ( ! cloi/]1 t at ! table all %\ld sit 9 /illness = a little :ile1 & !n "o %\ld read al\d1 :ile ! re/ li/5$4 ,x is ! turn ( my gr&son to read to-day1 said ! abbess to ,w9fri$2 we %all see h[ mu* he has le>n$ 9 ! s*ool4 ,read1 ,gregor2 ! place 9 ! book is m>k$4 ,! tall lad rose f 8 seat & turn$ ! pages ( ! manuscript4 ,x 0 a copy ( ,j]ome's v]sion ( ! ,scriptures 9 ,lat91 & ! m>k$ place 0 9 ! lett] ( ,/4 ,paul to ! ,ephesians1--! passage :]e he describes ! prep>ation ( ! ,*ri/ian z ! arm+ ( a w>rior = glori\s battle4 ,! "y voice rang out cle>ly1 roll+ ! sonor\s words1 )\t slip or /umbl+1 to ! end ( ! *apt]4 ,w9fri$ li/5$1 smil+4 ,my son1 said he1 z ! read] paus$1 t 0 bravely read4 ,und]/&e/ ?\ :at ?\ reade/8 ,surely1 fa!r1 answ]$ ! boy2 x 0 taught me by ! ma/]s at ,treves2 & we h read ?is epi/le cle> ?r\gh1 f beg9n+ to end1 s t ,i almo/ "k x by he>t4 ,!n he began aga9 to repeat ! passage1 turn+ away f ! page z if to %[ 8 skill4 ,b ,w9fri$ /opp$ him ) a fri5dly lift+ ( ! h&4 ,no s1 my son2 t 0 n my mean+4 ,:5 we pray1 we speak to ,god2 :5 we read1 x is ,god :o speaks to u4 ,i ask :e!r ?\ ha/ he>d :at ,he has said to !e1 9 ?9e own words1 9 ! common spee*4 ,come1 give u aga9 ! message ( ! w>rior & 8 arm\r & 8 battle1 9 ! "m-tongue1 s t all c und]/& x4 ,! boy hesitat$1 blu%$1 /amm]$2 !n he came ar\nd to ,w9fri$'s seat1 br++ ! book4 ,take ! book1 my fa!r1 he cri$1 & read x = me4 ,i _c see ! mean+ pla91 ?\gh ,i love ! s\nd ( ! words4 ,religion ,i "k1 & ! doctr9es ( our fai?1 & ! life ( prie/s & nuns 9 ! cloi/]1 = :i* my gr&mo!r designs me1 ?\gh x likes me little4 ,& fight+ ,i "k1 & ! life ( w>riors & h]oes1 = ,i h read ( x 9 ,virgil & ! anci5ts1 & he>d a bit f ! soldi]s at ,treves2 & ,i w\ld fa9 ta/e m ( x1 = x likes me mu*4 ,b h[ ! two lives fit toge!r1 or :at ne$ !re is ( arm\r = a cl]k 9 holy ord]s1 ,i c nev] see4 ,tell me ! mean+1 = if !re is a man 9 all ! _w t kn[s x1 ,i am sure x is none o!r ?an ?\4 ,s ,w9fri$ took ! book & clos$ x1 clasp+ ! boy's h& ) 8 own4 ,let u fir/ dismiss ! o!rs to _! vesp]s1 said he1 le/ !y %\ld be we>y4 ,a sign f ! abbess2 a *ant$ b5$iction2 a murmur+ ( sweet voices & a s(t ru/l+ ( _m feet ov] ! ru%es on ! floor2 ! g5tle tide ( noise fl[$ out ?r\gh ! doors & ebb$ away d[n ! corridors2 ! ?ree at ! head ( ! table 7 left alone 9 ! d>k5+ room4 ,!n ,w9fri$ began to translate ! p>able ( ! soldi] into ! realities ( life4 ,at e turn he knew h[ to fla% a new light into ! picture out ( 8 own exp]i5ce4 ,he spoke ( ! combat ) self1 & ( ! wre/l+ ) d>k spirits 9 solitude4 ,he spoke ( ! demons t m5 _h wor%ipp$ = c5turies 9 ! wild]ness1 & ^: malice !y invok$ aga9/ ! /rang] :o v5tur$ into ! gloomy =e/4 ,gods1 !y call$ !m1 & told /range tales ( _! dwell+ among ! imp5etrable bran*es ( ! olde/ trees & 9 ! cav]ns ( ! %aggy hills2 ( _! rid+ on ! w9d-horses & hurl+ spe>s ( lightn+ aga9/ _! foes4 ,gods !y 7 n1 b f\l spirits ( ! air1 rul]s ( ! d>kness4 ,0 !re n glory & hon\r 9 fight+ ) !m1 9 d>+ _! ang] "u ! %ield ( fai?1 9 putt+ !m to flight ) ! sword ( tru?8 ,:at bett] adv5ture c\ld a brave man ask ?an to g =? aga9/ !m1 & wre/le ) !m1 & conqu] !m8 ,look y1 my fri5ds1 said ,w9fri$1 h[ sweet & peaceful is ?is conv5t to-night1 on ! eve ( ! nativity ( ! ,pr9ce ( ,peace6 ,x is a g>d5 full ( fl[]s 9 ! he>t ( w9t]2 a ne/ among ! bran*es ( a great tree %ak5 by ! w9ds2 a /ill hav5 on ! edge ( a tempe/u\s sea4 ,& ?is is :at religion means = ^? :o are *os5 & call$ to quietude & pray] & m$itation4 ,b out yond] 9 ! wide =e/1 :o kn[s :at /orms are rav+ to-night 9 ! he>ts ( m51 ?\gh all ! woods are /ill8 :o kn[s :at haunts ( wra? & cruelty & fe> are clos$ to-night aga9/ ! adv5t ( ! ,pr9ce ( ,peace8 ,& %all ,i tell y :at religion means to ^? :o are call$ & *os5 to d>e & to fight1 & to conqu] ! _w = ,*ri/8 ,x means to laun* out into ! deep4 ,x means to g aga9/ ! /rongholds ( ! adv]s>y4 ,x means to /ruggle to w9 an entrance = _! ,ma/] ev]y:]e4 ,:at helmet is /rong en\gh = ?is /rife save ! helmet ( salvation8 ,:at brea/plate c gu>d a man aga9/ ^! fi]y d>ts b ! brea/plate ( righte\sness8 ,:at %oes c /& ! we> ( ^! j\rneys b ! prep>ation ( ! gospel ( peace8 ,%oes8 he cri$ aga91 & laugh$ z if a sudd5 ?\ght _h /ruck him4 ,he ?ru/ out 8 foot1 cov]$ ) a heavy c[hide boot1 lac$ high ab\t 8 leg ) ?ongs ( sk94 ,see "h1--h[ a fight+ man ( ! cross is %od6 ,i h se5 ! boots ( ! ,bi%op ( ,t\rs1--:ite kid1 broid]$ ) silk2 a day 9 ! bogs w\ld te> !m to %r$s4 ,i h se5 ! s&als t ! monks use on ! highroads1--yes1 & worn !m2 t5 pair ( !m h ,i worn out & ?r[n away 9 a s+le j\rney4 ,n[ ,i %oe my feet ) ! t\ghe/ hides1 h>d z iron2 no rock c cut !m1 no bran*es c te> !m4 ,yet m ?an "o pair ( ^! h ,i outworn1 & _m m %all ,i outwe> ere my j\rneys are end$4 ,& ,i ?9k1 if ,god is graci\s to me1 t ,i %all die we>+ !m4 ,bett] s ?an 9 a s(t b$ ) silk5 cov]+s4 ,! boots ( a w>rior1 a hunt]1 a woodsman1--^! are my prep>ation ( ! gospel ( peace4 ,come1 ,gregor1 he said1 lay+ 8 br[n h& on ! y\?'s %\ld]1 come1 we> ! =e/]'s boots ) me4 ,?is is ! life to :i* we are call$4 ,be /rong 9 ! ,"l1 a hunt] ( ! demons1 a subdu] ( ! wild]ness1 a woodsman ( ! fai?4 ,come6 ,! boy's eyes sp>kl$4 ,he turn$ to 8 gr&mo!r4 ,%e %ook h] head vigor\sly4 ,nay1 fa!r1 %e said1 draw n ! lad away f my side ) ^! wild words4 ,i ne$ him to help me ) my lab\rs1 to *e] my old age4 ,d y ne$ him m ?an ! ,ma/] does8 ask$ ,w9fri$2 & w y take ! wood t is fit = a b[ to make a di/aff8 ,b ,i fe> = ! *ild4 ,?y life is too h>d = him4 ,he w p]i% ) hung] 9 ! woods4 ,once1 said ,w9fri$1 smil+1 we 7 camp$ by ! bank ( ! riv] ,ohru4 ,! table 0 spread = ! morn+ meal1 b my comrades cri$ t x 0 empty2 ! provisions 7 exhau/$2 we mu/ g )\t breakfa/1 & p]haps />ve be=e we c\ld escape f ! wild]ness4 ,:ile !y compla9$1 a fi%-hawk flew up f ! riv] ) flapp+ w+s1 & let fall a great pike 9 ! mid/ ( ! camp4 ,!re 0 food en\gh & to sp>e4 ,nev] h ,i se5 ! righte\s =sak51 nor 8 se$ begg+ bread4 ,b ! fi]ce pagans ( ! =e/1 cri$ ! abbess1--!y may pi]ce ! boy ) _! arr[s1 or da% out 8 bra9s ) _! axes4 ,he is b a *ild1 too "y = ! dang]s ( /rife4 ,a *ild 9 ye>s1 repli$ ,w9fri$1 b a man 9 _s4 ,& if ! h]o mu/ fall e>ly 9 ! battle1 he we>s ! bright] cr[n1 n a leaf )]$1 n a fl[] fall54 ,! ag$ pr9cess trembl$ a little4 ,%e drew ,gregor close to h] side1 & laid h] h& g5tly on 8 br[n hair4 ,i am n sure t he wants to leave me yet4 ,besides1 !re is no horse 9 ! /able to give him1 n[1 & he _c g z befits ! gr&son ( a k+4 ,gregor look$ /raight into h] eyes4 ,gr&mo!r1 said he1 de> gr&mo!r1 if ?\ wilt n give me a horse to ride ) ?is man ( ,god1 ,i w g ) him afoot4 ,illu/ration--,! fields ar\nd lay b>e to ! moon4 ,,ii ,,! ,,trail ,,?r\gh ,,! ,,=e/ ,,ii ,two ye>s _h pass$1 to a day1 almo/ to an h\r1 s9ce t ,*ri/mas eve 9 ! cloi/] ( ,pfalzel4 ,a little company ( pilgrims1 less ?an a score a m51 7 creep+ sl[ly nor?w>d ?r\gh ! wide =e/ t roll$ ov] ! hills ( c5tral ,g]many4 ,at ! head ( ! b& m>*$ ,w9fri$1 clad 9 a tunic ( fur1 ) 8 long black robe girt high ab\t 8 wai/1 s t x might n h9d] 8 /ride4 ,8 hunt]'s boots 7 cru/$ ) sn[4 ,drops ( ice sp>kl$ l jewels along ! ?ongs t b\nd 8 legs4 ,!re 0 no o!r ornam5t to 8 dress except ! bi%op's cross hang+ on 8 brea/1 & ! broad silv] clasp t fa/5$ 8 cloak ab\t 8 neck4 ,he c>ri$ a /rong1 tall /aff 9 8 h&1 fa%ion$ at ! top into ! =m ( a cross4 ,close beside him1 keep+ /ep l a famili> comrade1 0 ! "y ,pr9ce ,gregor4 ,long m>*es ?r\gh ! wild]ness _h /ret*$ 8 limbs & broad5$ 8 back1 & made a man ( him 9 /ature z well z 9 _s4 ,8 jacket & cap 7 ( wolfsk91 & on 8 %\ld] he c>ri$ an axe1 ) broad1 %9+ blade4 ,he 0 a mighty woodsman n[1 & c\ld make a spray ( *ips fly ar\nd him z he hew$ 8 way ?r\gh ! trunk ( spruce-tree4 ,beh9d ^! lead]s foll[$ a pair ( team/]s1 guid+ a rude sl$ge1 load$ ) food & ! equipage ( ! camp1 & drawn by two big1 %aggy horses1 bl[+ ?ick cl\ds ( /eam f _! fro/y no/rils4 ,t9y icicles hung f ! hairs on _! lips4 ,_! flanks 7 smok+4 ,!y sank above ! fetlocks at e /ep 9 ! s(t sn[4 ,la/ ( all came ! re> gu>d1 arm$ ) b[s & javel9s4 ,x 0 no *ild's play1 9 ^? days1 to cross ,europe afoot4 ,! weird woodl&1 sombre & illimitable1 cov]$ hill & vale1 tablel& & m\nta9-peak4 ,!re 7 wide moors :]e ! wolves hunt$ 9 packs z if ! devil drove !m1 & tangl$ ?ickets :]e ! lynx & ! bo> made _! lairs4 ,fi]ce be>s lurk$ among ! rocky passes1 & _h n yet le>n$ to fe> ! face ( man4 ,! gloomy recesses ( ! =e/ gave %elt] to inhabitants :o 7 /ill m cruel & dang]\s ?an bea/s ( prey1--outlaws & /urdy robb]s & mad 7-wolves & b&s ( w&]+ pillag]s4 ,! pilgrim :o w\ld pass f ! m\? ( ! ,tib] to ! m\? ( ! ,rh9e mu/ travel ) a little army ( reta9]s1 or else tru/ 9 ,god & keep 8 arr[s loose 9 ! quiv]4 ,! travell]s 7 surr\nd$ by an ocean ( trees1 s va/1 s full ( endless bill[s1 t x seem$ to be press+ on e side to ov]:elm !m4 ,gn>l$ oaks1 ) bran*es twi/$ & knott$ z if 9 rage1 rose 9 groves l tidal waves4 ,smoo? =e/s ( bee*-trees1 r\nd & gray1 swept ov] ! knolls & slopes ( l& 9 a mighty gr\nd-swell4 ,b mo/ ( all1 ! multitude ( p9es & firs1 innum]able & monoton\s1 ) /raight1 />k trunks1 & bran*es wov5 toge!r 9 an unbrok5 ,hood ( d>ke/ gre51 cr[d$ ?r\gh ! valleys & ov] ! hills1 ris+ on ! highe/ ridges into ragg$ cre/s1 l ! foam+ edge ( break]s4 ,?r\gh ?is sea ( %ad[s ran a n>r[ /ream ( %9+ :it5ess1--an anci5t ,roman road1 cov]$ ) sn[4 ,x 0 z if "s great %ip _h pl\gh$ ?r\gh ! gre5 ocean long ago1 & left beh9d x a ?ick1 smoo? wake ( foam4 ,along ?is op5 track ! travell]s held _! way1--heavily1 = ! drifts 7 deep2 w>ily1 = ! h>d w9t] _h driv5 _m packs ( wolves d[n f ! moors4 ,! /eps ( ! pilgrims 7 noiseless2 b ! sl$ges creak$ ov] ! dry sn[1 & ! pant+ ( ! horses ?robb$ ?r\gh ! /ill1 cold air4 ,! pale-blue %ad[s on ! we/]n side ( ! road grew long]4 ,! sun1 decl9+ ?r\gh its %all[ ar*1 dropp$ beh9d ! tree-tops4 ,d>kness foll[$ swiftly1 z if x _h be5 a bird ( prey wait+ = ?is sign to swoop d[n ^u ! _w4 ,fa!r1 said ,gregor to ! lead]1 surely ?is day's m>* is done4 ,x is "t to re/1 & eat1 & sleep4 ,if we press onw>d n[1 we _c see our /eps2 & w n t be aga9/ ! ^w ( ! psalmi/ ,david1 :o bids u n to put confid5ce 9 ! legs ( a man8 ,w9fri$ laugh$4 ,nay1 my son ,gregor1 said he1 ?\ ha/ tripp$1 ev5 n[1 ^u ?y text4 ,= ,david said only1 ',i take no pleasure 9 ! legs ( a man4' ,& s say ,i1 = ,i am n m9d$ to sp>e ?y legs or m9e1 until we come f>!r on our way1 & d :at mu/ be done ?is night4 ,draw ! belt tight]1 my son1 & hew me out ?is tree t is fall5 across ! road1 = our campgr\nd is n "h4 ,! y\? obey$2 two ( ! =e/]s sprang to help him2 & :ile ! s(t fir-wood yield$ to ! /roke ( ! axes1 & ! sn[ flew f ! b5d+ bran*es1 ,w9fri$ turn$ & spoke to 8 foll[]s 9 a *e]ful voice1 t refre%$ !m l w9e4 ,c\rage1 bro!rs1 & =w>d yet a little6 ,! moon w light u pres5tly1 & ! pa? is pla94 ,well "k ,i t ! j\rney is we>y2 & my own he>t we>ies also = ! home 9 ,engl&1 :]e ^? ,i love are keep+ fea/ ?is ,*ri/mas eve4 ,b we h "w to d be=e we fea/ to-night4 ,= ?is is ! ,yuletide1 & ! hea!n p ( ! =e/ h ga!r$ at ! ?und]-oak ( ,geism> to wor%ip _! god1 ,?or4 ,/range ?+s w be se5 !re1 & de$s :i* make ! s\l black4 ,b we are s5t to light5 _! d>kness2 & we w tea* our k9sm5 to keep a ,*ri/mas ) u su* z ! woodl& has nev] kn[n4 ,=w>d1 !n1 & let u /iff5 up our feeble knees6 ,a murmur ( ass5t came f ! m54 ,ev5 ! horses seem$ to take fre% he>t4 ,!y flatt5$ _! backs to draw ! heavy loads1 & blew ! fro/ f _! no/rils z !y pu%$ ahead4 ,! night grew broad] & less oppressive4 ,a gate ( brightness 0 op5$ secretly some:]e 9 ! sky2 high] & high] swell$ ! cle> moon-flood1 until x p\r$ ov] ! ea/]n wall ( =e/ into ! road4 ,a drove ( wolves h[l$ fa9tly 9 ! di/ance1 b !y 7 rec$+1 & ! s\nd soon di$ away4 ,! />s sp>kl$ m]rily ?r\gh ! /r+5t air2 ! small1 r\nd moon %one l silv]2 little brea?s ( ! dream+ w9d w&]$ :isp]+ across ! po9t$ fir-tops1 z ! pilgrims toil$ bravely onw>d1 foll[+ _! clue ( light ?r\gh a labyr9? ( d>kness4 ,aft] a :ile ! road began to op5 out a little4 ,!re 7 spaces ( mead[-l&1 fr+$ ) ald]s1 beh9d :i* a boi/]\s riv] ran1 cla%+ ?r\gh spe>s ( ice4 ,rude h\ses ( hewn logs appe>$ 9 ! op5+s1 ea* "o ca/+ a pat* ( inky blackness ^u ! sn[4 ,!n ! travell]s pass$ a l>g] gr\p ( dwell+s1 all sil5t & unlight$2 & beyond1 !y saw a great h\se1 ) _m outbuild+s & enclos$ c\rty>ds1 f :i* ! h\nds bay$ furi\sly1 & a noise ( /amp+ horses came f ! /alls4 ,b !re 0 no o!r s\nd ( life4 ,! fields ar\nd lay b>e to ! moon4 ,!y saw no man1 except t once1 on a pa? t skirt$ ! f>!r edge ( a mead[1 ?ree d>k figures pass$ by1 runn+ v swiftly4 ,!n ! road plung$ aga9 into a d5se ?icket1 trav]s$ x1 & climb+ to ! left1 em]g$ sudd5ly ^u a glade1 r\nd & level except at ! nor!rn side1 :]e a swell+ hillock 0 cr[n$ ) a huge oak-tree4 ,x t[]$ above ! hea?1 a giant ) contort$ arms1 beckon+ to ! ho/ ( less] trees4 ,"h1 cri$ ,w9fri$1 z 8 eyes fla%$ & 8 h& lift$ 8 heavy /aff1 "h is ! ,?und]-oak2 & "h ! cross ( ,*ri/ %all break ! hamm] ( ! false god ,?or4 ,illu/ration--,! sacr$ hamm] ( ! god ,?or ,,iii ,,! ,,%ad[ ,,( ,,! ,,?und]-,,oak ,,iii ,)]$ leaves /ill clung to ! bran*es ( ! oak3 torn & fad$ bann]s ( ! dep>t$ summ]4 ,! bright crimson ( autumn _h long s9ce disappe>$1 blea*$ away by ! /orms & ! cold4 ,b to-night ^! tatt]$ remnants ( glory 7 r$ aga93 anci5t blood/a9s aga9/ ! d>k-blue sky4 ,= an imm5se fire _h be5 k9dl$ 9 front ( ! tree4 ,tongues ( ruddy flame1 f\nta9s ( ruby sp>ks1 asc5d$ ?r\gh ! spread+ limbs & flung a fi]ce illum9ation upw>d & ar\nd4 w>d & ar\nd4 ,! pale1 pure moonlight t ba!d ! surr\nd+ =e/s 0 qu5*$ & eclips$ "h4 ,n a beam ( x sift$ d[n-w>d ?r\gh ! bran*es ( ! oak4 ,x /ood l a pill> ( cl\d betwe5 ! /ill light ( heav5 & ! crackl+1 fla%+ fire ( e>?4 ,b ! fire itself 0 invisible to ,w9fri$ & 8 companions4 ,a great ?rong ( p 7 ga!r$ ar\nd x 9 a half-circle1 _! backs to ! op5 glade1 _! faces t[>ds ! oak4 ,se5 aga9/ t gl[+ backgr\nd1 x 0 b ! silh\ette ( a cr[d1 vague1 black1 =mless1 my/]i\s4 ,! travell]s paus$ = a mom5t at ! edge ( ! ?icket1 & took c\nsel toge!r4 ,x is ! assembly ( ! tribe1 said "o ( ! =e/]s1 ! great night ( ! c\ncil4 ,i he>d ( x ?ree days ago1 z we pass$ ?r\gh "o ( ! villages4 ,all :o swe> by ! old gods h be5 summon$4 ,!y w sacrifice a /e$ to ! god ( w>1 & dr9k blood1 & eat horse-fle% to make !m /rong4 ,x w be at ! p]il ( our lives if we approa* !m4 ,at lea/ we mu/ hide ! cross1 if we w\ld escape dea?4 ,hide me no cross1 cri$ ,w9fri$1 lift+ 8 /aff1 = ,i h come to %[ x1 & to make ^! bl9d folk see its p[]4 ,!re is m to be done "h to-night ?an ! slay+ ( a /e$1 & a great] evil to be /ay$ ?an ! %ameful eat+ ( meat sacrific$ to idols4 ,i h se5 x 9 a dream4 ,"h ! cross mu/ /& & be our r$e4 ,at 8 comm& ! sl$ge 0 left 9 ! bord] ( ! wood1 ) two ( ! m5 to gu>d x1 & ! re/ ( ! company mov$ =w>d across ! op5 gr\nd4 ,!y approa*$ unnotic$1 = all ! multitude 7 look+ int5tly t[>ds ! fire at ! foot ( ! oak4 ,!n ,w9fri$'s voice rang out1 ,hail1 ye sons ( ! =e/6 ,a /rang] claims ! w>m? ( y\r fire 9 ! w9t] night4 ,swiftly1 & z ) a s+le motion1 a ?\s& eyes 7 b5t ^u ! speak]4 ,! semicircle op5$ sil5tly 9 ! middle2 ,w9fri$ ent]$ ) 8 foll[]s2 x clos$ aga9 beh9d !m4 ,!n1 z !y look$ r\nd ! curv+ ranks1 !y saw t ! hue ( ! assemblage 0 n black1 b :ite1--dazzl+1 radiant1 solemn4 ,:ite1 ! robes ( ! wom5 clu/]$ toge!r at ! po9ts ( ! wide cresc5t2 :ite1 ! glitt]+ byrnies ( ! w>riors /&+ 9 close ranks2 :ite1 ! fur mantles ( ! ag$ m5 :o held ! c5tral place 9 ! circle2 :ite1 ) ! %imm] ( silv] ornam5ts & ! purity ( lamb's-wool1 ! raim5t ( a little gr\p ( *ildr5 :o /ood close by ! fire2 :ite1 ) awe & fe>1 ! faces ( all :o look$ at !m2 & ov] all ! flick]+1 danc+ radiance ( ! flames play$ & glimm]$ l a fa9t1 vani%+ t+e ( blood on sn[4 ,! only figure unt\*$ by ! gl[ 0 ! old prie/1 ,hunrad1 ) 8 long1 spectral robe1 fl[+ hair & be>d1 & dead-pale face1 :o /ood ) 8 back to ! fire & advanc$ sl[ly to meet ! /rang]s4 ,:o are y8 ,:5ce come y1 & :at seek y "h8 ,8 voice 0 heavy & toneless z a muffl$ bell4 ,y k9sman am ,i1 ( ! ,g]man bro!rhood1 answ]$ ,w9fri$1 & f ,engl&1 beyond ! sea1 h ,i come to br+ y a greet+ f t l&1 & a message f ! ,all-,fa!r1 ^: s]vant ,i am4 ,welcome1 !n1 said ,hunrad1 welcome1 k9sman1 & be sil5t2 = :at passes "h is too high to wait1 & mu/ be done be=e ! moon crosses ! middle heav51 unless1 inde$1 ?\ ha/ "s sign or tok5 f ! gods4 ,can/ ?\ "w miracles8 ,! "q came %>ply1 z if a sudd5 gleam ( hope _h fla%$ ?r\gh ! tangle ( ! old prie/'s m9d4 ,b ,w9fri$'s voice sank l[] & a cl\d ( disappo9tm5t pass$ ov] 8 face z he repli$3 ,nay1 miracles h ,i nev] wr\ght1 ?\gh ,i h he>d ( _m2 b ! ,all-,fa!r has giv5 no p[] to my h&s save su* z belongs to common man4 ,/& /ill1 !n1 ?\ common man1 said ,hunrad1 scornfully1 & behold :at ! gods h call$ u hi!r to d4 ,?is night is ! dea?-night ( ! sun-god1 ,baldur ! ,beautiful1 belov$ ( gods & m54 ,?is night is ! h\r ( d>kness & ! p[] ( w9t]1 ( sacrifice & mighty fe>4 ,?is night ! great ,?or1 ! god ( ?und] & w>1 to :om ?is oak is sacr$1 is griev$ = ! dea? ( ,baldur1 & angry ) ?is p because !y h =sak5 8 wor%ip4 ,long is x s9ce an (f]+ has be5 laid ^u 8 alt>1 long s9ce ! roots ( 8 holy tree h be5 f$ ) blood4 ,!re=e its leaves h )]$ be=e ! "t1 & its b\ghs are heavy ) dea?4 ,!re=e ! ,slavs & ! ,w5ds h beat5 u 9 battle4 ,!re=e ! h>ve/s h fail$1 & ! wolf-hordes h ravag$ ! folds1 & ! /r5g? has dep>t$ f ! b[1 & ! wood ( ! spe> has brok51 & ! wild bo> has sla9 ! huntsman4 ,!re=e ! plague has fall5 on our dwell+s1 & ! dead are m ?an ! liv+ 9 all our villages4 ,answ] me1 ye p1 are n ^! ?+s true8 ,a ho>se s\nd ( approval ran ?r\gh ! circle4 ,a *ant1 9 :i* ! voices ( ! m5 & wom5 bl5d$1 l ! %rill w9d 9 ! p9e-trees above ! rumbl+ ?und] ( a wat]fall1 rose & fell 9 rude cad5ces4 ,o ,?or1 ! ,?und]]1 ,mighty & m]ciless1 ,sp>e u f smit+6 ,heave n ?y hamm]1 ,angry1 aga9/ u2 ,plague n ?y p4 ,take f our treasure ,ri*e/ ( ransom4 ,silv] we s5d !e1 ,jewels & javel9s1 ,goodlie/ g>m5ts1 ,all our possessions1 ,priceless1 we pr(f]4 ,%eep w we slaught]1 ,/e$s w we sacrifice2 ,bright blood %all ba! !e1 ,o tree ( ,?und]1 ,life-floods %all lave !e1 ,/rong wood ( wond]4 ,mighty1 h m]cy1 ,smite u no m1 ,sp>e u & save u1 ,sp>e u1 ,?or6 ,?or6 ,) two great %\ts ! song end$1 & a /illness foll[$ s int5se t ! crackl+ ( ! fire 0 he>d di/9ctly4 ,! old prie/ /ood sil5t = a mom5t4 ,8 %aggy br[s swept d[n ov] 8 eyes l a%es qu5*+ flame4 ,!n he lift$ 8 face & spoke4 ,none ( ^! ?+s w please ! god4 ,m co/ly is ! (f]+ t %all cleanse y\r s91 m preci\s ! crimson dew t %all s5d new life into ?is holy tree ( blood4 ,?or claims y\r de>e/ & y\r noble/ gift4 ,hunrad mov$ ne>] to ! h&ful ( *ildr5 :o /ood wat*+ ! r$ m9es 9 ! fire & ! sw>ms ( sp>k-s]p5ts d>t+ upw>d4 ,!y _h he$$ none ( ! prie/'s words1 & did n notice n[ t he approa*$ !m1 s eag] 7 !y to see :i* fi]y snake w\ld g highe/ among ! oak bran*es4 ,=emo/ among !m1 & mo/ int5t on ! pretty game1 0 a boy l a sunbeam1 sl5d] & quick1 ) bli! br[n eyes & laugh+ lips4 ,! prie/'s h& 0 laid ^u 8 %\ld]4 ,! boy turn$ & look$ up 9 8 face4 ,"h1 said ! old man1 ) 8 voice vibrat+ z :5 a ?ick rope is /ra9$ by a %ip sw++ f h] moor+s1 "h is ! *os5 "o1 ! elde/ son ( ! ,*ief1 ! d>l+ ( ! p4 ,he>k51 ,b]nh>d1 wilt ?\ g to ,valhalla1 :]e ! h]oes dwell ) ! gods1 to be> a message to ,?or8 ,! boy answ]$1 swift & cle>3 ,yes1 prie/1 ,i w g if my fa!r bids me4 ,is x f> away8 ,%all ,i run quickly8 ,mu/ ,i take my b[ & arr[s = ! wolves8 ,! boy's fa!r1 ! ,*iefta9 ,gundh>1 /&+ among 8 be>d$ w>riors1 drew 8 brea? deep1 & lean$ s heavily on ! h&le ( 8 spe> t ! wood crack$4 ,& 8 wife1 ,irma1 b5d+ =w>d f ! ranks ( wom51 pu%$ ! gold5 hair f h] =ehead ) "o h&4 ,! o!r dragg$ at ! silv] *a9 ab\t h] neck until ! r\gh l9ks pi]c$ h] fle%1 & ! r$ drops fell unhe$$ on ! sn[ ( h] brea/4 ,a sigh pass$ ?r\gh ! cr[d1 l ! murmur ( ! =e/ be=e ! /orm breaks4 ,yet no "o spoke save ,hunrad3 ,yes1 my ,pr9ce1 bo? b[ & spe> %alt ?\ h1 = ! way is long1 & ?\ art a brave huntsman4 ,b 9 d>kness ?\ mu/ j\rney = a little space1 & ) eyes bl9dfold$4 ,fe>e/ ?\8 ,naught fe> ,i1 said ! boy1 nei!r d>kness1 nor ! great be>1 nor ! 7-wolf4 ,= ,i am ,gundh>'s son1 & ! def5d] ( my folk4 ,!n ! prie/ l$ ! *ild 9 8 raim5t ( lamb's-wool to a broad /one 9 front ( ! fire4 ,he gave him 8 little b[ tipp$ ) silv]1 & 8 spe> ) %9+ head ( /eel4 ,he b\nd ! *ild's eyes ) a :ite clo?1 & bade him kneel beside ! /one ) 8 face to ! ea/4 ,unconsci\sly ! wide arc ( spectators drew inw>d t[>d ! c5tre1 z ! ends ( ! b[ draw toge!r :5 ! cord is /ret*$4 ,w9fri$ mov$ noiselessly until he /ood close beh9d ! prie/4 ,! old man /oop$ to lift a black hamm] ( /one f ! gr\nd1--! sacr$ hamm] ( ! god ,?or4 ,summon+ all ! /r5g? ( 8 )]$ arms1 he swung x high 9 ! air4 ,x pois$ = an in/ant above ! *ild's fair head--!n turn$ to fall4 ,"o ke5 cry %rill$ out f :]e ! wom5 /ood3 ,me6 take me6 n ,b]nh>d6 ,! flight ( ! "m t[>ds h] *ild 0 swift z ! falcon's swoop4 ,b swift] /ill 0 ! h& ( ! deliv]]4 ,w9fri$'s heavy /aff ?ru/ mightily aga9/ ! hamm]'s h&le z x fell4 ,sideways x glanc$ f ! old man's grasp1 & ! black /one1 /rik+ on ! alt>'s edge1 split 9 twa94 ,a %\t ( awe & joy roll$ along ! liv+ circle4 ,! bran*es ( ! oak %iv]$4 ,! flames leap$ high]4 ,z ! %\t di$ away ! p saw ! lady ,irma1 ) h] arms clasp$ r\nd h] *ild1 & above !m1 on ! alt>-/one1 ,w9fri$1 8 face %9+ l ! face ( an angel4 ,illu/ration--,!n ,w9fri$ told ! /ory ( ,be?lehem ,,iv ,,! ,,fell+ ,,( ,,! ,,tree ,,iv ,a swift m\nta9-flood roll+ d[n its *annel2 a huge rock tumbl+ f ! hill-side & fall+ 9 mid-/ream2 ! baffl$ wat]s brok5 & confus$1 paus+ 9 _! fl[1 da% high aga9/ ! rock1 foam+ & murmur+1 ) divid$ impulse1 unc]ta9 :e!r to turn to ! "r or ! left4 ,ev5 s ,w9fri$'s bold de$ fell into ! mid/ ( ! ?\ghts & passions ( ! c\ncil4 ,!y 7 at a /&/ill4 ,ang] & wond]1 rev]5ce & joy & confusion surg$ ?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,!y knew n :i* way to move3 to res5t ! intrusion ( ! /rang] z an insult to _! gods1 or to welcome him z ! rescu] ( _! d>l+ pr9ce4 ,! old prie/ cr\*$ by ! alt>1 sil5t4 ,conflict+ c\nsels tr\bl$ ! air4 ,let ! sacrifice g =w>d2 ! gods mu/ be appeas$4 ,nay1 ! boy mu/ n die2 br+ ! *iefta9's be/ horse & slay x 9 8 /ead2 x w be en\gh2 ! holy tree loves ! blood ( horses4 ,n s1 !re is a bett] c\nsel yet2 seize ! /rang] :om ! gods h l$ hi!r z a victim & make 8 life pay ! =feit ( 8 d>+4 ,! )]$ leaves on ! oak ru/l$ & :isp]$ ov]head4 ,! fire fl>$ & sank aga94 ,! angry voices cla%$ aga9/ ea* o!r & fell l oppos+ waves4 ,!n ! *iefta9 ,gundh> /ruck ! e>? ) 8 spe> & gave 8 decision4 ,all h spok51 b none are agre$4 ,!re is no voice ( ! c\ncil4 ,keep sil5ce n[1 & let ! /rang] speak4 ,8 words %all give u judgm5t1 :e!r he is to live or to die4 ,w9fri$ lift$ himself high ^u ! alt>1 drew a roll ( p>*m5t f 8 bosom1 & began to read4 ,a lett] f ! great ,bi%op ( ,rome1 :o sits on a gold5 ?rone1 to ! p ( ! =e/1 ,hessians & ,?ur+ians1 ,franks & ,saxons4 ,9 nom9e ,dom9i1 sanctae et individuae tr9itatis1 am56 ,a murmur ( awe ran ?r\gh ! cr[d4 ,x is ! sacr$ tongue ( ! ,romans3 ! tongue t is he>d & und]/ood by ! wise m5 ( e l&4 ,!re is magic 9 x4 ,li/56 ,w9fri$ w5t on to read ! lett]1 translat+ x into ! spee* ( ! p4 ',we h s5t unto y our ,bro!r ,boniface1 & appo9t$ him y\r bi%op1 t he may tea* y ! only true fai?1 & baptize y1 & lead y back f ! ways ( error to ! pa? ( salvation4 ,he>k5 to him 9 all ?+s l a fa!r4 ,b[ y\r he>ts to 8 tea*+4 ,he comes n = e>?ly ga91 b = ! ga9 ( y\r s\ls4 ,dep>t f evil works4 ,wor%ip n ! false gods1 = !y are devils4 ,(f] no m bloody sacrifices1 nor eat ! fle% ( horses1 b d z our ,bro!r ,boniface comm&s y4 ,build a h\se = him t he may dwell among y1 & a *ur* :]e y may (f] y\r pray]s to ! only liv+ ,god1 ! ,almighty ,k+ ( ,heav54' ,x 0 a spl5did message3 pr\d1 /rong1 peaceful1 lov+4 ,! dignity ( ! words impos$ mightily ^u ! he>ts ( ! p4 ,!y 7 quiet$ z m5 :o h li/5$ to a l(ty /ra9 ( music4 ,tell u1 !n1 said ,gundh>1 :at is ! ^w t ?\ br+e/ to u f ! ,almighty4 ,:at is ?y c\nsel = ! tribes ( ! woodl& on ?is night ( sacrifice8 ,?is is ! ^w1 & ?is is ! c\nsel1 answ]$ ,w9fri$4 ,n a drop ( blood %all fall to-night1 save t :i* pity has drawn f ! brea/ ( y\r pr9cess1 9 love = h] *ild4 ,n a life %all be blott$ out 9 ! d>kness tonight2 b ! great %ad[ ( ! tree :i* hides y f ! light ( heav5 %all be swept away4 ,= ?is is ! bir?-night ( ! :ite ,*ri/1 son ( ! ,all-,fa!r1 & ,savi\r ( mank9d4 ,fair] is ,he ?an ,baldur ! ,beautiful1 great] ?an ,od9 ! ,wise1 k9d] ?an ,freya ! ,good4 ,s9ce ,he has come to e>? ! bloody sacrifices mu/ cease4 ,! d>k ,?or1 on :om y va9ly call1 is dead4 ,deep 9 ! %ades ( ,niffelheim he is lo/ =ev]4 ,8 p[] 9 ! _w is brok54 ,w y s]ve a helpless god8 ,see1 my bro!rs1 y call ?is tree 8 oak4 ,does he dwell "h8 ,does he protect x8 ,a tr\bl$ voice ( ass5t rose f ! ?rong4 ,! p /irr$ uneasily4 ,wom5 cov]$ _! eyes4 ,hunrad lift$ 8 head & mutt]$ ho>sely1 ,?or6 take v5geance6 ,?or6 ,w9fri$ beckon$ to ,gregor4 ,br+ ! axes1 ?9e & "o = me4 ,n[1 "y woodsman1 %[ ?y craft6 ,! k+-tree ( ! =e/ mu/ fall1 & swiftly1 or all is lo/6 ,! two m5 took _! places fac+ ea* o!r1 "o on ea* side ( ! oak4 ,_! cloaks 7 flung aside1 _! heads b>e4 ,c>efully !y felt ! gr\nd ) _! feet1 seek+ a firm grip ( ! e>?4 ,firmly !y grasp$ ! axe-helves & swung ! %9+ blades4 ,tree-god6 cri$ ,w9fri$1 art ?\ angry8 ,?us we smite !e6 ,tree-god6 answ]$ ,gregor1 art ?\ mighty8 ,?us we fight !e6 ,clang6 clang6 ! alt]nate /rokes beat "t ^u ! h>d1 r++ wood4 ,! axe-heads glitt]$ 9 _! rhy?mic flight1 l fi]ce eagles circl+ ab\t _! qu>ry4 ,! broad flakes ( wood flew f ! deep5+ ga%es 9 ! sides ( ! oak4 ,! huge trunk quiv]$4 ,!re 0 a %udd]+ 9 ! bran*es4 ,!n ! great wond] ( ,w9fri$'s life came to pass4 ,out ( ! /illness ( ! w9t] night1 a mighty ru%+ noise s\nd$ ov]head4 ,0 x ! anci5t gods on _! :ite battle-/e$s1 ) _! black h\nds ( wra? & _! arr[s ( lightn+1 sweep+ ?r\gh ! air to de/roy _! foes8 ,a /rong1 :irl+ w9d pass$ ov] ! tree-tops4 ,x gripp$ ! oak by its bran*es & tore x f its roots4 ,backw>d x fell1 l a ru9$ t[]1 groan+ & cra%+ z x split asund] 9 f\r great pieces4 ,w9fri$ let 8 axe drop1 & b[$ 8 head = a mom5t 9 ! pres5ce ( almighty p[]4 ,!n he turn$ to ! p1 ,"h is ! timb]1 he cri$1 already fell$ & split = y\r new build+4 ,on ?is spot %all rise a *apel to ! true ,god & 8 s]vant ,/4 ,pet]4 ,& "h1 said he1 z 8 eyes fell on a "y fir-tree1 /&+ /raight & gre51 ) its top po9t+ t[>ds ! />s1 amid ! divid$ ru9s ( ! fall5 oak1 "h is ! liv+ tree1 ) no /a9 ( blood ^u x1 t %all be ! sign ( y\r new wor%ip4 ,see h[ x po9ts to ! sky4 ,let u call x ! tree ( ! ,*ri/-*ild4 ,take x up & c>ry x to ! *iefta9's hall4 ,y %all g no m into ! %ad[s ( ! =e/ to keep y\r fea/s ) secret rites ( %ame4 ,y %all keep !m at home1 ) laught] & song & rites ( love4 ,! ?und]-oak has fall51 & ,i ?9k ! day is com+ :5 !re %all n be a home 9 all ,g]many :]e ! *ildr5 are n ga!r$ ar\nd ! gre5 fir-tree to rejoice 9 ! bir?-night ( ,*ri/4 ,s !y took ! little fir f its place1 & c>ri$ x 9 joy\s procession to ! edge ( ! glade1 & laid x on ! sl$ge4 ,! horses toss$ _! heads & drew _! load bravely1 z if ! new burd5 _h made x light]4 ,:5 !y came to ! h\se ( ,gundh>1 he bade !m ?r[ op5 ! doors ( ! hall & set ! tree 9 ! mid/ ( x4 ,!y k9dl$ lights among ! bran*es until x seem$ to be tangl$ full ( fire-flies4 ,! *ildr5 encircl$ x1 wond]+1 & ! sweet od\r ( ! balsam fill$ ! h\se4 ,!n ,w9fri$ /ood beside ! *air ( ,gundh>1 on ! dais at ! end ( ! hall1 & told ! /ory ( ,be?lehem2 ( ! babe 9 ! mang]1 ( ! %eph]ds on ! hills1 ( ! ho/ ( angels & _! midnight song4 ,all ! p li/5$1 *>m$ into /illness4 ,b ! boy ,b]nh>d1 on ,irma's knee1 fold$ by h] s(t arm1 grew re/less z ! /ory l5g!n$1 & began to prattle s(tly at 8 "m's e>4 ,"m1 :isp]$ ! *ild1 :y did y cry out s l\d1 :5 ! prie/ 0 go+ to s5d me to ,valhalla8 ,oh1 hu%1 my *ild1 answ]$ ! "m1 & press$ him clos] to h] side4 ,"m1 :isp]$ ! boy aga91 lay+ 8 f+] on ! /a9s ^u h] brea/1 see1 y\r dress is r$6 ,:at are ^! /a9s8 ,did "s "o hurt y8 ,! "m clos$ 8 m\? ) a kiss4 ,de>1 be /ill1 & li/56 ,! boy obey$4 ,8 eyes 7 heavy ) sleep4 ,b he he>d ! la/ words ( ,w9fri$ z he spoke ( ! angelic mess5g]s1 fly+ ov] ! hills ( ,judea & s++ z !y flew4 ,! *ild wond]$ & dream$ & li/5$4 ,sudd5ly 8 face grew bright4 ,he put 8 lips close to ,irma's *eek aga94 ,oh1 "m6 he :isp]$ v l[1 d n speak4 ,d y he> !m8 ,^? angels h come back aga94 ,!y are s++ n[ beh9d ! tree4 ,& "s say t x 0 true2 b o!rs say t x 0 only ,gregor & 8 companions at ! l[] end ( ! hall1 *ant+ _! ,*ri/mas hymn3 ,all glory be to ,god on high1 ,& to ! e>? be peace6 ,good-w1 h5ce=?1 f heav5 to m5 ,beg91 & nev] cease4