At Dawn and Dusk

Christmas in Australia

Victor James Daley


O DAY, the crown and crest of all the year!
    Thou comest not to us amid the snows,
    But midmost of the reign of the red rose;
Our hearts have not yet lost the ancient cheer
That filled our fathers’ simple hearts when sere
    The leaves fell, and the winds of Winter froze
    The waters wan, and carols at the close
Of yester-eve sang the Child Christ anear.
And so we hail thee with a greeting high,
    And drain to thee a draught of our own wine,
Forgetful not beneath this bluer sky
    Of that old mother-land beyond the brine,
Whose gray skies gladden as thou drawest nigh,
    O day of God’s good-will the seal and sign!


At Dawn and Dusk - Contents


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