Stern Winter on foul mischief bent Left his cold region of the North; As his Advance-guard early sent Loud howling blasts and snow storms forth.
These warriors hastened to obey The mandate of their frost-robed King, And as they came the Orb of Day Withdrew his rays which gladness bring.
They, gathering strength as nigh the drew Unto our homes, spread ruin round, And thus transformed each beauteous view, And in white mantle clad the ground.
Before their track lay pastures green, While root crops in abundance told How fruitful had the Summer been Ere she away from us had rolled.
Behind them was a widespread waste Of leafless trees and drifting snows, And still with most malicious haste They dealt around their chilling blows.
Anon their King in ice-car rode With furious speed, and placed his seal Upon the devastation broad,— Exulting in his savage zeal.
This done, fair Nature at his feet Lay prostrate in the arms of death! And now the poor lack food and heat, Benumbed by his dread icy breath.
For in our great Commercial World Loud storms have rung their changes round, While some are from high station hurled And in chill Penury are found.
Our Workshops, erst with men well filled, The scenes of Trade's most busy strife, Are almost silent now, and skilled Mechanics want the means of life.
And shall it e'er be said of those Who have of means a full supply, That avarice has their heart's blood froze,— That they can see their brethren die?
Forbid it, O Thou gracious One, From whom we every good obtain; O, melt the hardest heart of stone, And quell its cruel thirst for gain!
That those who have may freely give Of food and clothes a plenteous store To help the needy now to live: “Those tend to God who help the poor.”
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