A Catch.

When roads are mired with ice and snow,     And the air of morn is crisp with rime;     When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,     And bells ring in the CHRISTMAS time: -     It's - Saddle, my Heart, and ride away,     To the sweet-faced girl with the eyes of gray!     Who waits with a smile for the gifts you bring -     A man's strong love and a wedding-ring -         It's - Saddle, my Heart, and ride!     When vanes veer North and storm-winds blow,     And the sun of noon is a blur o'erhead;     When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,     And the CHRISTMAS service is sung and said: -     It's - Come, O my Heart, and wait awhile,     Where the organ peals, in the altar aisle,     For the gifts that the church now gives to you -     A woman's hand and a heart that's true.         It's - Come, O my Heart, and wait!     When rooms gleam warm with the fire's glow,     And the sleet raps sharp on the window-pane;     When the holly hangs by the mistletoe,     And CHRISTMAS revels begin again: -     It's - Home, O my Heart, and love, at last!     And her happy breast to your own held fast;     A song to sing and a tale to tell,     A good-night kiss, and all is well.         It's - Home, O my Heart, and love!