I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas DayTheir old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweetThe words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled alongThe unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouthThe cannon thundered in the South,
And with the soundThe carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rentThe hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlornThe households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."