University of Virginia Library


685

FIRE AND SNOW.

O thou art more than beautiful, fair child,
And movest among maidens more than queen,
As flows a stream through deserts dark and wild,
And leaves pure tokens where its path has been;
Lo, laughing flowers and foliage glad and green,
Mark where around it throws a magic mild,
Nor yet may mingle with the passing scene,
And keeps its waters crystal undefil'd.
For thou art subtly framed of fire and snow,
And what is best of light and dew and shade,
This thou hast all thy tributary made;
And wheresoever thy fond footsteps go.
Thou takest every sweet from bloom and blade,
And givest back a warmer wider glow.