Deem it their friendliest coverlet.

Wrapped warmly in its fleecy veil

They hear, unshuddering where they lie,

The patter and the hiss of hail,

The angry storm-wind whirling by.

Above, the world is tempest-tossed;

Buried too deep for doubts and fears,

The detonations of the frost

Come dumbed and softened to their ears.

Sleeping, they smile as children do,