Alice's Adventures Under Ground by Lewis Carroll

[FROM A FAIRY TO A CHILD.]

Lady dear, if Fairies may For a moment lay aside Cunning tricks and elfish play, 'Tis at happy Christmas-tide.

We have heard the children say-- Gentle children, whom we love-- Long ago, on Christmas Day, Came a message from above.

Still, as Christmas-tide comes round, They remember it again-- Echo still the joyful sound "Peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Yet the hearts must childlike be Where such heavenly guests abide: Unto children, in their glee, All the year is Christmas-tide!

Thus, forgetting tricks and play For a moment, Lady dear, We would wish you, if we may, Merry Christmas, glad New Year!

LEWIS CARROLL.

Christmas, 1867.