use and all who in it dwell"), Christmas is fairly
introduced. It is sung first in unison by full chorus, then changes to
harmony, in which one choir retains the melody, and closes with a new
subject for orchestral treatment, the united choirs singing the carol.
Christmas would not be complete without its story; and this we have in
the next number for contralto solo and chorus, entitled "A Christmas
Tale." It is preceded by recitative, written in the old English style,
and each verse closes with a refrain, first sung as a solo, and then
repeated in full harmony by the chorus:--

"A bleak and kindless morning had broke on Althenay,
Where shunning Danish foemen the good King Alfred lay;
'In search of food our hunters departed long ago,
I fear that they have perished, embedded in the snow.'
While thus he sadly muses, an aged man he sees,
With white hair on his forehead like frost upon the trees.
An image of the winter the haggard pilgrim stands,
And breathing forth his sorrows, lifts up his withered hands:
'The Heavenly King, who reigns on high,
Bless him who hears the poor man's cry.'

"'Our hearts are moved with pity, thy sufferings we deplore,'
Said Alfred's queen, the gentle, 'but scanty is our store;
One loaf alone is left us.' 'Then give it,' said the King,
'For He who feeds the ravens, yes, He will fresh abundance bring.'
The wind was roaring loudly, the snow was falling fast,
As from the lofty turret the last, last loaf he cast.
An image of the winter, the haggard pilgrim stands,
And Alfred's welcome pittance he catches with his hands.
'The Heavenly King, who reigns on high,
Bless him who hears the poor man's cry.'

"The snow is thickly falling, the winter wind is loud,
But yonder in the distance appears a joyous crowd.
The hunters bring their booty, the peasants bring their corn,
And cheering songs of triumph along the blast are borne.
Before another morning down-stricken is the foe,
And blood of Danish warriors is red upon the snow.
Amid the conquering Saxons the aged pilgrim stands,
And like a holy prophet exclaims with lifted hands,
'The Heavenly King, who reigns on high,
Bless him who hears the poor man's cry.'"

A graceful little duet for female voices ("Little Children, all
rejoice"), picturing the delights of childhood and its exemption from
care, follows the Saxon story and leads up to the fi