screaming were borne, Whilst thundering guns hailed the day, And hares sought the thicket forlorn, Or, wounded, ran over the way.

p. 221

No music was heard in the grove, The blackbird and linnet and thrush, And goldfinch and sweet cooing dove, Sat pensively mute in the bush: The leaves that once wove a green shade Lay withered in heaps on the ground: Chill Winter through grove, wood, and glade Spread sad desolation around.

But now the keen north wind ’gan whistle, And gusty, swept over the sky; Each hair, frozen, stood like a bristle, And night thickened fast on the eye. In swift-wheeling eddies the snow Fell, mingling and drifting amain, And soon all distinction laid low, As whitening it covered the plain.

A light its pale ray faintly shot  (The snow-flakes its splendour had shorn), It came from a neighbouring cot, Some called it the Cabin of Mourne: {221} A neat Irish Cabin, snow-proof, Well thatched, had a good earthen floor, One chimney in midst of the roof, One window, and one latched door.

p. 222Escaped from the pitiless storm, I entered the humble retreat; Compact was the building, and warm, Its furniture simple and neat. And now, gentle reader, approve The ardour that glowed in each breast, As kindly our cottagers strove To cherish and welcome their guest.

p. 222

The dame nimbly rose from her wheel, And brushed off the powdery snow: Her daughter, forsaking the reel, Ran briskly the cinders to blow: The children, who sat on the hearth, Leaped up without murmur or frown, An oaken stool quickly brought forth, And smilingly bade me sit down.

Whilst grateful sensations of joy O’er all my fond bosom were poured, Resumed was each former employ, And gay thrifty order restored: The blaze flickered up to the crook, The reel clicked again by the door, The dame turned her wheel in the nook, And frisked the sweet babes round the floor.

Released from the toils of the barn, His thrifty, blithe wife hailed the sire, And hanging his flail by her yarn, He drew up his stool to the fire; Then smoothing his brow with his hand, As if he would sweep away sorrow, He says, “Let us keep God’s command, And never take thought for the morrow.”

p. 223Brisk turning him round with a smile, And freedom unblended by art, And affable manners and style, Though simple, that 

 Prev. P 14/26 next