CHRISTMAS WARNING.

RING out the merry Christmas-bells,

A welcome sound to every ear;

The heart with expectation swells

At thought of bounteous Christmas cheer.

Before we part, a warning voice,

From Sophomoric wisdom drawn,

Which if you heed, you will rejoice,

Nor mourn the day when you were born.

Be careful, Seniors, Juniors, "Fresh,"

Of pretty cousins' luring smiles,

Or they will catch you in their mesh,

Ere you have learned their cunning wiles.

But to the Sophomoric "rat"

Who scents these baited traps, I say,

Be careful of that stove-pipe hat, -

You bought it only yesterday.

Fair maiden, in whose willing ear

He whispers love, for your sweet sake,

Believe them not, - the words you hear;

The Soph's frail vows are made to break.

'80.