WAES-HAEL for knight and dame!   O merry be their dole! Drink-hael! in Jesu's name   We fill the tawny bowl; But cover down the curving crest, Mould of the Orient Lady's breast.

Waes-hael! yet lift no lid:   Drain ye the reeds for wine. Drink-hael! the milk was hid   That soothed that Babe divine; Hush'd, as this hollow channel flows, He drew the balsam from the rose.

Waes-hael! thus glow'd the breast   Where a God yearn'd to cling; Drink-hael! so Jesu press'd   Life from its mystic spring; Then hush and bend in reverent sign And breathe the thrilling reeds for wine.

Waes-hael! in shadowy scene   Lo! Christmas children we: Drink-hael! behold we lean   At a far Mother's knee; To dream that thus her bosom smiled, And learn the lip of Bethlehem's Child.