All patiently they bide,

Fettered by frost, and bravely wait,

And trust in spring or soon or late.

Hope dies not in the winter-tide,

Though sore it longs for spring;

Cool morn may ripen to hot noon,

And evening dusks creep all too soon

The noonday sun to hide;

But through the night there stir and thrill

The sleeping strengths of life and will.