The dark days of Winter! The storm and the rain,
The joys that have vanished, the hopes that were vain;
Their shadow remaineth—yet fear I no ill,
For Goodness and Mercy have followed me still.
So the days of my life shall flow on like a dream
Till the Light glimmers far on the dark silent stream,
Though dimly I see it—yet fear I no ill,
For Goodness and Mercy will follow me still.
THE RIDE.
It happened once upon a time
I met the Fairies straying,
From under Bearey's Cap they came
To go once more a-May ing.
They came about me in the mist,
I heard their songs and laughter,
And some went dancing on before
And some came singing after.
My nag was shod with fairy shoes
And bred among the mountains,
And many a moonlight prank she played
Along the streams and fountains.
We scampered down by Greeba Mills
And on to old St. Trinian's,
And hastened lest the Big Buggane
Should join us on his pinions.
Though steep as Ugh ta breesh ma chree
The road to green Ballinghan,
My nag stepped out with might and main—
Her like is not in Englan'.
For up she went and on she went
Above the trees o'erarching,
And on the Braid we turned to see
The mountains all come marching.