Classic Poem

By a Gentleman of CAMBRIDGE.

I.

From mountains of eternal snow,
And Zembla's dreary plains;
Where the bleak winds for ever blow,
And frost for ever reigns,

II.

Lo! Winter comes, in fogs array'd,
With ice, and spangled dews;
To dews, and fogs, and storms be paid
The tribute of the Muse.

III.

Each flowery carpet Nature spread
Is vanish'd from the eye;
Where'er unhappy lovers tread,
No Philomel is nigh.

IV.

(For well I ween her plaintive note
Can soothing ease impart;
The little warblings of her throat
Relieve the wounded heart.)

V.

No blushing rose unfolds its bloom,
No tender lillies blow,
To scent the air with rich perfume,
Or grace Lucinda's brow.

VI.

Th' indulgent father who protects
The wretched and the poor;
With the same gracious care directs
The sparrow to our door.

VII.

Dark, scowling tempests rend the skies,
And clouds obscure the day;
His genial warmth the sun denies,
And sheds a fainter ray.

VIII.

Yet blame we not the troubled air,
Or seek defects to find;
For Power Omnipotent is there,
And walks upon the wind.

IX.

Hail every pair whom love unites
In wedlock's pleasing ties;
That endless source of pure delights,
That blessing to the wise!

X.

Though yon pale orb no warmth bestows,
And storms united meet;
The flame of Love and Friendship glows
With unextinguish'd heat.