Twas the night before Christmas; good night had been said
When Annie and Willie had crept into bed.
There were tears on their pillows and tears in their eyes
And each little bosom was heaving with sighs
For tonight their stern father's command had been given
That they should retire precisely at seven
Instead of at eight for they troubled him more
With questions unheard of than ever before.
He told them he thought this delusion a sin
No creature as Santa Claus ever had been.
And he hoped after this he would nevermore hear,
How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year.
And this was the reason that two little heads
So restlessly tossed on their soft downy beds.

Eight, nine, the clock in the steeple tolled ten.
Not a word had been spoken by either till then
Then Willie's sad face from the blanket did peep
And said, "Sister Annie, is you fast asleep?"
"Why no brother Willie," A soft voice replied,
I've long tried in vain, but I can't shut my eyes.
Somehow it makes me so sorry because
Dear Papa has said there is no Santa Claus.
But we know that there is and it can't be denied
For he came every year before Mama died
But then I've been thinking that she used to pray
And God would hear everything Mama would say."
"Well, why can't we pray just like mama did den
An ask Dod to send him with presents again?"
"I've been thinking so too." And without a world more
Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor.
Four little knees the soft carpet pressed
And four little hands were clasped close to each breast.
"Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe
that the things that we ask for we're sure to receive.
You wait very still now till I say the Amen
By that you will know that your turn has come then."
"Dear, Jesus, look down on my brother and me
And grant us the favor we are asking of thee.
I want a wax dolly, a teaset, and ring,
An ebony workbox that works with a spring.
Bless Papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see
That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he.
Don't let him get angry and fretful again
At dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen"
"Dear Dod, let Santa Claus come down tonight
And bring us some presents before it is light.
I want he should give me a nice little sled
With bright shiny runners and all painted red.
A box full of candy, a book, and a toy.
And den, Jesus, I'll be a good boy."
Their prayers being ended they raised up their heads
And with hearts light and cheerful again sought their beds.
Soon they were lost in slumber both peaceful and deep
While visions of sugarplums danced in their sleep.

Eight, nine, the little French clock hand struck ten
Ere the father had thought of his children again.
He seems now to hear Annie's half-suppressed sighs
And see the big tears stand in Willie's blur eyes.
I was harsh with my darlings he inwardly said
And should not have sent them so early to bed.
But then I was troubled; my feelings found vent.
But, of course, they've forgotten their troubles ere this
And that I denied them the thrice-asked for kiss.
But just to make sure, I'll go up to their door
For I never spoke harsh to my darlings before.
So saying he softly ascended the stairs
And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers.
His Annie's "Bless Papa" drew forth the big tears
While Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears.
I'll atone from my harshness he inwardly said
By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed.
He turned to the stars and swiftly went down
Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing gown.
Donned hat, coat, and boots and wet out in the street-
A millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet.
Nor stopped he until he had bought everything
From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring.
Then homeward he turned with his holiday load
And with Aunt Mary's help in the nursery was stowed.
Miss dolly was seated beneath a pine tree
By the side of a table laid out for a tea.
A workbox, well-fitted, in the center was laid
And on it the ring for which Annie had prayed.
A soldier in uniform stood by a sled
With bright shiny runners and all painted red.
There were balls, books, toys pleasant to see
And birds of all colors were perched in the tree
And Santa Claus, laughing, stood up at the top
As if getting ready more presents to drop.

As soon as the rays of the bright morning sun
Put the darkness to flight and the stars one by one,
Four little blue eyes out on sleep opened wide
And at the same moment the presents espied.
They laughed and they cried in their innocent glee
And shouted for Papa to come quick and see
The presents that Santa Claus left in the night
Just the things that they wanted and left before light
And now, added Annie, in a voice soft and low
You believe there's a Santa Claus, Papa, I know.
While dear, little Willie climbed upon his knee
Determined no secret between them should be.
And told in soft whispers how Annie had said
That their dear, blessed Mama so long ago dead
Used to kneel down by the side of her chair
And that God up in heaven had answered her prayer.
"Den we dot down and prayed dust as well as we tould
And Dod answered our prayers. Now wasn't that good?"
I should say that he was, if he gave you all these
And knew just what present my children should please.
Well, well let him think so, the dear little elf.
'Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself.

Blind Father! Who caused your proud heart to relent
And the hasty words spoken so soon to repent?
'Twas God that bade you steal softly upstairs
And made you his agent to answer their prayers.