I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old,
familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words
repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries
of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken
song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till, ringing, singing on its way The world revolved
from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from
each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in
the South, And with the sound The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair
I bowed my head; There is no peace on earth, I
said; For hate is strong, And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then pealed
the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead; nor
doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, The Right
prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!