I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day


I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, to all goodwill.

I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along th’unbroken song of peace on earth, to all goodwill.

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, to all goodwill.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth God sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, to all goodwill.”

Till, ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from day to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, to all goodwill.