MIS TL E TO E. 
(/ surmount Difficulties.) 
“ The sacred bush.”—T ennyson. 
eL 
HE Mistletoe scarcely requires more than a passing 
allusion : every one is acquainted with that re¬ 
markable custom which permits any lad to exact 
from any lass the toll of one kiss, when they accidentally 
meet where 
“ Sacred ceilings, dark and grey, 
Bear the mistletoe.” 
In Holstein the country people call the mistletoe “ the 
spectre’s wand,” from the supposition that holding a 
branch of it will not only enable a man to see ghosts, but 
force them to speak to him. 
THE MISTLETOE. 
On Christmas-eve the bells were rung, 
On Christmas-eve the mass was sung; 
That only night in all the year 
Saw the stoled priest the chalice near. 
The damsel donned her kirtle sheen; 
The hall was dressed with holly green : 
