THE CHURCH STREET GHOST.

One Christmas eve, long years ago, the ground was covered deep with snow;

The stars shone brightly from on high, and cold east winds passed piercing by,

Scarce could a foot be heard to stir, that walk’d upon the snowy fur;

All children in their homes that night, had tied the string with great delight;

And pin’d their stocking on the line, as they do every Christmas time.

To see what Santa Claus would bring, to make their happy voices ring

With joy and gladness on that morn, the Saviour of this world was born.

The Christmas choirs sat waiting till they heard the old clock at the mill,

Chime in the hours of twelve that eve; so that they could with gladness leave,

And fill the morning air with song, that cheers the hearts of old and young.

The logs upon the fires were set, and old acquaintances had met

To spend a jovial Christmas eve around the hearths with bread and cheese.

And tell the tales of days gone by, that make us all both laugh and cry.

‘Twas round a hearth just one of these. A few men sat, and if you please

Read on and you shall shortly hear a story true quite fresh and clear;

To many a one around I know, although it happen’d years ago;

One of these men said, list to me, I’ll play a trick if you’ll agree.

“What is it” they all cried aloud; “A secret.”, all in answer bowed.

At twelve o’clock each night there meet three tall policemen on their beat,

Close to this church, and I declare I’ll test their bravery when they’re there.

Lend me a sheet, as white as snow, and a penny trumpet that will blow.

“Agreed, agreed!” they all did shout; no sooner said than he was out,

And in the churchyard he did go with footsteps light upon the snow;

Behind the wall along the street he hid himself to wait the meet.

Now they arrive, he sees the three; “Now then,” said he, “I’ll make them flee.”

Loudly he blew the trumpet call; so rising from behind the wall,

They turned and looked, all filled with fear, and then a voice spoke loud and clear

Fled out of sight as fast as they could run, he said none cared to stay.

When they were gone, straight home went he, and told his friends, who laughed with glee,

And to this day this man will boast that he played the part of the “Church-street Ghost...

GEORGE TAYLOR