In safety hous'd, throughout NIGHT'S _length'ning_ reign, The Cock sends forth a loud and piercing strain; More frequent, as the glooms of midnight flee, And hours roll round, that brought him liberty, When Summer's early dawn, mild, clear, and bright, Chas'd quick away the transitory night:... Hours now in darkness veil'd; yet loud the scream Of Geese impatient for the playful stream; And all the feather'd tribe imprison'd raise Their morning notes of inharmonious praise; And many a clamorous Hen and cockrel gay, When daylight slowly through the fog breaks way, Fly wantonly abroad: but ah, how soon The shades of twilight follow hazy noon, Short'ning the busy day!... day that slides by Amidst th' unfinish'd toils of HUSBANDRY; Toils still each morn resum'd with double care, To meet the icy terrors of the year; To meet the threats of _Boreas_ undismay'd, And _Winter's_ gathering frowns and hoary head. THEN welcome, COLD; welcome, ye _snowy_ nights! Heaven midst your rage shall mingle pure delights, And confidence of hope the soul sustain, While devastation sweeps along the plain: Nor shall the child of poverty despair, But bless THE POWER that rules the _changing year_; Assur'd,... tho' horrors round his cottage reign,... That _Spring_ will come, and Nature smile again. WINTER. ARGUMENT. _Tenderness to cattle. Frozen turnips. The cow-yard. Night. The farm-house. Fire-side. Farmer's advice and instruction. Nightly cares of the stable. Dobbin. The post-horse. Sheep-stealing dogs. Walks occasioned thereby. The ghost. Lamb time. Returning Spring. Conclusion._ [Illustration] WINTER. IV. With kindred pleasures mov'd, and cares opprest, Sharing alike our weariness and rest; Who lives the daily partner of our hours, Thro' every change of heat, and frost, and show'rs; Partakes our cheerful meals, partaking first In mutual labour and in mutual thirst; The kindly intercourse will ever prove A bond of amity and social love. To more than man this generous warmth extends, And oft the team and shiv'ring herd befriends; Tender solicitude the bosom fills, And Pity executes what Reason wills: Youth learns compassion's tale from every tongue, And flies to aid the helpless and the young;