120 Language Through Nature 



Lesson 75 



THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE 



IN a quiet glade in the depths of a northern forest 

 was once gathered a strange company. It was 

 night, but the people could be plainly seen by the 

 light of an immense fire that burned in their midst. 

 There were warriors in armor, aged men in fur 

 mantles, women in robes of white, and little chil- 

 dren in garments of lamb's wool. Their faces told 

 of sorrow and fear. Their harvests had failed; 

 there was sickness among them which none could 

 cure; their warriors had been beaten in battle; and 

 the days had grown cold and short. They believed 

 that all this trouble had come upon them because 

 the power they worshiped was angry. They 

 thought this God would be pleased, and his favor 

 be won again, by offering him a sacrifice. For this 

 purpose they had gathered under a great oak, 

 which was their sacred tree. 



While they were preparing for this sacrifice a 

 little band of men suddenly appeared, and every- 

 one paused to ask what errand brought them there. 



The leader of the band sprang upon their altar 



