As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.