Said the Holly to the Mistletoe:
“Of this holy-tide what canst know,—
Thou a pagan — thou
Of the leafless bough?
My leaves are green, my scarlet berries shine
At thought of things divine!”
To the Holly spake the Mistletoe:
“Matters not, my leafless boughs but show
Berries pale as pearl —
Ask yon boy and girl!
If human mirth and love be not some sign
Of share in things divine!”