 | Poems (1857) |  |
179
KING FROST.
I
King Frost galloped hard from his Palace of SnowTo the hills whence the floods dashed in thunder below;
But he breathed on the waters, that swooned at his will,
And their clamor was o'er, for the torrents stood still!
“Ho! ho!” thought the King, as he galloped along,
“I have stopped those mad torrents awhile in their song.”
180
II
With pennons high streaming, in gladness and pride,A fair vessel moved o'er the billowy tide;
But whilst bold hearts were deeming their perils all past,
King Frost struck the billows, and fettered them fast!
“Ho! ho!” cried the monarch, “their homes may long wait
Ere aught, my fine vessel, be heard of your fate!”
III
Through the forest rode he, and the skeleton treesGroaned, withered and wild, 'gainst the desolate breeze;
And shook their hoar locks as the Frost King flew by,
Whilst the hail rattled round, like a volley from high!
“Ho! ho!” shouted he, “my old Sylvans, ye're bare,
But my minister, Snow, shall find robes for your wear!”
IV
By the convent sped he—by the lone, ruined fane,Where the castle frowned wild o'er its rocky domain;
And the warder grew pallid, and shook, as in fear,
As the monarch swept by with his icicle spear!
Whilst his herald, the Blast, breathed defiance below,
And hurrahed for King Frost and his Palace of Snow!
| Poems (1857) | |