FODDERING CATTLE. THE cattle mourn in corners, where the fence COWPER. SKATING. AND in the frosty season, when the sun SKATING. It was indeed for all of us; for me It was a time of rapture! Clear and loud. And woodland pleasures, the resounding horn, The leafless trees and every icy crag Tinkled like iron; while the distant hills Of melancholy, not unnoticed, while the stars, Not seldom from the uproar I retired Glanced sideway, leaving the tumultuous throng, Image, that, flying still before me, gleamed Upon the glassy plain and oftentimes, 117 When we had given our bodies to the wind, Came sweeping through the darkness, spinning still Stopped short; yet still the solitary cliffs Wheeled by me-even as if the earth had rolled Behind me did they stretch in solemn train, THOUGH now no more the musing ear Delights to listen to the breeze, That lingers o'er the green-wood shade, Sweet are the harmonies of Spring, And sweet the Autumnal winds that shake The many-colored grove. REFLECTIONS UPON WINTER. 119 And pleasant to the sobered soul. The silence of the wintry scene, When Nature shrouds herself, entranced Not undelightful now to roam The wild heath sparkling on the sight; Not undelightful now to pace The forest's ample rounds, And see the spangled branches shine, And mark the clustered berries bright, So Virtue, diffident of strength, Nor void of beauties now the spring, Have soothed the thirsty pilgrim's ear The green moss shines with icy glare, When faint the sunbeams smile. Reflection, too, may love the hour Or bids the flow'ret bloom. For Nature soon in Spring's best charms, And bid the flower re-bloom. SOUTHEY. THE REDBREAST. THE cherished fields Put on their winter robe of purest white: 'Tis brightness all, save where the new snow melts Along the mazy current.). |