She resisted , but as another bitter winter came she feared that in her misery she might yield , for body and soul were weakened now by the long struggle . She knew not where to turn for help ; there seemed to be no place for her at any safe and happy fireside ; life 's hard aspect daunted her , and she turned to death , saying confidingly , ` Take me while I 'm innocent and not afraid to go . ' `` I saw it all ! I saw how she sold everything that would bring money and paid her little debts to the utmost penny ; how she set her poor room in order for the last time ; how she tenderly bade the doves good-by , and lay down on her bed to die . At nine o'clock last night as my bell rang over the city , I tried to tell what was going on in the garret where the light was dying out so fast . I cried to them with all my strength . -- '' ` Kind souls , below there ! a fellow-creature is perishing for lack of charity ! Oh , help her before it is too late ! Mothers , with little daughters on your knees , stretch out your hands and take her in ! Happy women , in the safe shelter of home , think of her desolation ! Rich men , who grind the faces of the poor , remember that this soul will one day be required of you ! Dear Lord , let not this little sparrow fall to the ground ! Help , Christian men and women , in the name of Him whose birthday blessed the world ! ' `` Ah me ! I rang , and clashed , and cried in vain . The passers-by only said , as they hurried home , laden with Christmas cheer : ` The old bell is merry to-night , as it should be at this blithe season , bless it ! ' `` As the clocks struck ten , the poor child lay down , saying , as she drank the last bitter draught life could give her , ` It 's very cold , but soon I shall not feel it ; ' and with her quiet eyes fixed on the cross that glimmered in the moonlight above me , she lay waiting for the sleep that needs no lullaby . `` As the clock struck eleven , pain and poverty for her were over . It was bitter cold , but she no longer felt it .
She XXXXX serenely sleeping , with tired heart and hands , at rest forever .
's blessed die glimmered help hurried knew lay set sold