To all who shall receive this Book, whether they be patrons of ours already, or shall become such hereafter. OURTEOUS READER.— As this little book shall cost thee nothing, save the small time necessary for its perusal, which most people can very well spare, we will make no apology to thee for the compiling of it. The truth is, we liked that good old custom-the exchanging of gifts at the Christmas season—and, having profited from your patronage, were anxious, after this fashion, to express our appreciation and thanks. We pretend to no wit or learning in the selections we have made, being guided therein, for the most part, by what we liked, rather than by any special erudition; yet we believe we have made such a choice as will please most and offend none. It would, indeed, be remarkable if some of the pieces to be found herein were not familiar already; still a few, we are sure, will here be made known to thee for the first time. Sufficit! What we have gathered we now present to thee, and at the same time offer our best wishes for A MERRIE CHRISTMAS! A Paradise of Baintie Bevices. 2 Welcome, Merry Christmas. E merry all, be merry all, BE With holly dress the festive hall, To welcome Merry Christmas. And oh! remember, gentles gay, The poor have only Christmas. |