*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EIGHT BRAND NEW BITS OF CHRISTMAS CHEER *** Eight Brand New Bits of Christmas Cheer by John Kendrick Bangs [Illustration: Decoration] Published by The Leighton and Valentine Co., 118 East Sixteenth Street, - New York City Copyright 1911 by The Leighton & Valentine Co. Send me by Santa Claus one single smile And help me make it Christmas all the while. [Illustration: Decoration] I just can’t see, to tell you true, How they spelt Christmas without a “You.” For, as for me, there is no doubt It wouldn’t be Christmas with “You” left out! [Illustration: Decoration] A New Year’s Wish. May the only shadows that you see before you Be those caused by the sun of fortune shining Upon your back, and your only tears those of Joy and laughter. [Illustration: Decoration] May every hour of Christmas Day Strew life’s best gifts along your way. And when the New Year comes, why then May the supply begin again! [Illustration: Decoration] The golden argosy of my affection Is sailing to you over the seas of life, And waits but the Christmas-tide to Float it to the harbor of your heart! [Illustration: Decoration] If you would set my heart aglow Come stand beneath my mistletoe— I’ll show you there with all my powers How bees sip honey from the flowers! [Illustration: Decoration] The air is not vast enough to carry my Wireless wishes of joy to you, so take this Card as a simple statement of your balance Of love in the Bank of my Heart! [Illustration: Decoration] The best of crafts for the Christmas-tide Is a friend-ship that will sure abide The storm and stress of life’s troubled sea— Such is the craft that I send to thee! *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EIGHT BRAND NEW BITS OF CHRISTMAS CHEER ***