Then how the time flew by in the brighter season of the year, by dale and stream, in wood and wold, till the approach of winter and the Edinburgh session called them to town. How vividly are these days of storm and cloud depicted. "When dark December glooms the day, And takes our autumn joys away: When short and scant the sunbeam throws Upon the weary waste of snows, A cold and profitless regard, Like patron on a needy bard-- When sylvan occupation's done, And o'er the chimney rests the gun, And hang, in idle trophy near, The game-pouch, fishing-rod, and spear: When wiry terrier, rough and grim, And grayhound with its length of limb, And pointer, now employed no more, Cumber our narrow parlor floor: When in his stall the impatient steed Is long condemned to rest and feed: When from our snow-encircled home Scarce cares the hardiest step to roam, Since path is none, save that to bring The needful water from the spring: When wrinkled news-page, thrice conned o'er, Beguiles the dreary hour no more, And darkling politician, crossed, Inveighs against the lingering post, And answering housewife sore complains Of carriers' snow-impeded wains: When such the country cheer, I come, Well pleased to seek our city home; For converse, and for books, to change The forest's melancholy range; And welcome, with renewed delight, The busy day and social night." _Introduction to Canto v._