I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet, the words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will 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, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound the carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn the households born Of peace on earth, good-will 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, good-will 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, good-will to men!”

• Henry Wadsworth Longfellow