I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day,
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

I thought how, as the time goes by,
The bells keep ringing day and night.
They rolled along, unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill 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, goodwill to men.

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.