THE TIME OF TRUCE

Two young lads from childhood up Drank together friendship's cup:

Joe was glad with Bill at play, Bill was home to Joe alway.

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Then, alas! each passing day Farther bore these friends away.

There was grief in either heart, Bleeding deep from sorrow's dart, When in thoughtfulness again Each beheld the other's pain.

But the shades of night are furled When the morning takes the world, And the Christmas days of peace Make our little quarrels cease.

Bill and Joe on Christmas Day Met as in the olden way;Bill put out his hand to Joe,--

It was Christmas Day, you know.

Bill and Joe are friends again, And to them long years remain;Time may take them far away, They keep Christmas every day.