That night saw old wrongs forgiven,

Friends, long parted, reconciled;

Voices all unused to laughter, Mournful eyes that rarely smiled,

Trembling hearts that feared the morrow,

From their anxious thoughts beguiled.

Rich and poor felt love and blessing

From the gracious season fall; Joy and plenty in the cottage,

Peace and feasting in the hall; And the voices of the children Ringing clear above it all!

Yet one house was dim and darkened;

Gloom, and sickness, and despair, Dwelling in the gilded chambers, Creeping up the marble stair, Even stilled the voice of mourn

ing,

For a child lay dying there

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