FOR CHILDREN. 67

Just out of an old regard to him,—
For it was his ancient way.

He comes with a cordial voice, |
That does one good to hear;

He shakes one heartily by the hand,
As he hath done many a year.

And after the little children
He asks in a cheerful tone,
“ack, Kate, and little Annie,—
He remembers them every one !

What a fine old fellow he is!
With his faculties all as clear,

And his heart as warm and light,
As a man in his fortieth year!

What a fine old fellow, in troth,!
Not one of your griping elves,*

Who, with plenty of money to spare,
Think only about themselves.

Not he! for he loveth the children,
And holiday begs for all ;

And comes yrith his pockets full of gifts,
For the great ones and the small !

And he tells us witty old stories ;
And singeth with might and main;
And we talk of the old man’s visit
Till the day that he comes again !
ry Howitt.
Troth—Truth.
*Elves—plural of elf, which properly means a fairy or

spirit ; sometimes, as here, an unnatural kind of being, one
different from men in general.