[Page f.44r]
Fragments Xmas day
This is the day when kindred meet
Round one accustomed social fire:
If still survive the hoary Sire
In patriarchal age, beside his honored feet
His Children’s Children claim the appropriate seat;
And if the Partner of his youthful days,
His dear Supporter through the uncertain ways
Of busy life – if she be spared,
She who all joy all grief has shared
Now is their happiness complete
Their Children and their Children’s Children meet
Beneath the Grandsire’s reverenced roof
Where faithful love through trying years has stood all proof
The youngest-born, the middle-aged assembled at their side
xx
The lowliest is the proudest seat
The foot-stool at the Grandsire’s feet
