CHRISTMAS EVE.

LEAVES,
FOR A
CHRISTMAS BOUGH.

Love, Truth, and Hope.

BOSTON:
WM. CROSBY & H. P. NICHOLS,111 Washington Street.
NEW YORK: CHARLES B. NORTON, 71 CHAMBERS STREET.,
1849.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by
WILLIAM CROSBY & H. P. NICHOLS,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.

COOLIDGE AND WILEY, PRINTERS, 12 WATER ST., BOSTON.

[5]PREFACE.

Recollections of the many pleasant hours passed with a certain juvenilecircle, not fifty miles from Boston, and associations connected withthis joyous season, have induced the feeble effort of collecting a fewstray leaves for its amusement. Hoping that their many defects, arisingfrom a hasty preparation amid various cares and occupations, may bekindly pardoned, they are presented as a trifling Gift for the Holidays.

To that group, bound together by a mutual sympathy in each other's joys[6]and fleeting sorrows, it may not be uninteresting to recall the days of"Auld Lang Syne." The scene will be a chequered one, for amid the frolicand sunshine, some tears will have been shed; while with hours of hardand thoughtful study, the bitterness of failure will sometimes appear.

But the bright and beautiful so far prevail over the rest, that suchonly need be recalled; and while enjoying those sweet remembrances, letus be merry and glad together. With truth and goodness as our constantaim, let us strive to make daily progress in the school of life, andthough we may be separated on Earth, we may hope for a blissful reunionin Heaven.

CONTENTS.