Winter, A Dirge.

WINTER,

A DIRGE.

I.

THE Wintry West extends his blast, And hail and rain does blaw; Or, the stormy North sends driving forth, The blinding sleet and snaw: While, tumbling brown, the Burn comes down, And roars frae bank to brae; And bird and beast, in covert, rest, And pass the heartless day.

II.

'The sweeping blast, the sky o'ercast, The joyless winter-day, Let others fear, to me more dear, Than all the pride of May: The Tempest's howl, it soothes my soul, My griefs it seems to join; The leafless trees my fancy please, Their fate resembles mine!

III.

Thou POW'R SUPREME, whose mighty Scheme, These woes of mine fulfil; Here, firm, I rest, they must be best, Because they are Thy Will! Then all I want (Oh, do thou grant This one request of mine!) Since to enjoy Thou dost deny, Assist me to resign!