University of Virginia Library



WINTER.

December's sun is low; the Year is old:
Through fallen leaves and flying flakes of snow,
The aged pilgrim climbs the mountain cold:—
But look! the summits in the afterglow!
The fierce winds hold their breath: the rocks give way;
The stars look down to guide her up the height:
And all around her lonely footsteps play
Auroral waves of spiritual light.
Nothing before her but the peak, the sky!
Nothing? Ah, look! beyond is everything!
Over these mountains greener valleys lie;
A happier New Year, an eternal Spring!