Classic Poem

The Two Shepherds :
Two Shepherds came with yearning,
Their crotchets in their hand,
And saw the Kings returning
Towards the morning-land
They came into the stable,
They reverently knelt,
As well as they were able,
The Holy Babe beheld.
Damon :

A little prince of rabbits
I offer to the Child.
A thousand pretty habits
He hath, both wise and wild
So drummerlike he goes so,
So brave and frolicsome;
Just like a virtuoso
Performing on a drum
Halton :

I give, if He will take him,
A squirrel to watch play,
Whose several antics make him
A master in his way.
Often he makes me titter,
His nuts to see him crack,
Making a shelly litter,
As 'twere in tune: trick-track!
Damon :

I give Him, for His pleasure,
A hare, of hares the first,
Who walks and skips in measure,
Who lets himself be nursed
He'll run about the manger
With many a wanton game;
There'll be no smallest danger,
He is so very tame
Halton :

I, His delight to heighten,
Give Him a collie pup,
Already learns to frighten
The sheep, and lock them up.
When he to doghood cometh,
The staunchest and the best
Of foes of him who roameth,
The grey unwelcome guest
Damon :

I give Him, fair as folly,
A little mouser cat,
Halton , keep close thy collie;
Have special care of that.
He has not yet been bitten,
He well can hold his own;
This dauntless tabby kitten
For courage stands alone.
Halton :

If thou wilt give a kitten
I give a kitten too.
The Hero will be smitten
With mine, and so wilt thou.
Is never else than merry,
Doth never cease to purr.
For mice, he is a very
Mousetrap made of fur.

So forth the swains competing,
With animals and birds;
The world of beasts completing,
With many civil words.