Christmas Eve!
      But in the city
There were some whom none could pity,
Some who had no Christmas Eve.

Through a dirty, dingy alley, 
      Up the narrow, creaking stair--
      Spiders built their houses there--
There sat little orphan Allie. 

By the window, there sat Alice,
      Looking at the sky; said she,
      "Oh, that I were there to see
Christmas Eve in heaven's palace!

Father, mother, both are there:
      O, if God would take me too!"
      And her thin hands, cold and blue, 
Clasped in supplicating prayer. 

"Oh, God! please take little Allie;
      Up in heaven all is light,
      And I am so cold to-night!
Oh, God! please take little Allie."

God in mercy heard her prayer;
      O'er her face a sweet smile passed,
      And she murmured, "Home at last--
There will be no sorrow there."

And the little angel-spirit 
      Went to Him who gave it leave--
Little Alice went to heaven,
      There to pass her Christmas Eve.