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 lay serenely sleeping , with tired heart and hands , at rest forever . As the clocks struck twelve , the dear Lord remembered her , and with fatherly hand led her into the home where there is room for all . To-day I rung her knell , and though my heart was heavy , yet my soul was glad ; for in spite of all her human woe and weakness , I am sure that little girl will keep a joyful Christmas up in heaven . '' In the silence which the spirits for a moment kept , a breath of softer air than any from the snowy world below swept through the steeple and seemed to whisper , `` Yes ! '' `` Avast there !
fond as I XXXXX of salt water , I do n't like this kind , '' cried the breezy voice of the fourth spirit , who had a tiny ship instead of a tassel on his cap , and who wiped his wet eyes with the sleeve of his rough blue cloak .
am bless blessed give help keep kept lay let struck