On every branch from fretted hoar frost gleams;

Enchain’d and barr’d their former course to run,

In icy bonds are held the chrystal streams.

Each fairest work of lib’ral Nature dies,

Whene’er the proud imperious tempest bids;

With clouds becapt, to prop the lowering skies,

The snow-clad mountains lift their hoary heads.

Their leafy honours shed, the naked trees,

Stretch helpless forth their bare unshelter’d arms;

Imploring Spring, on wings of tepid breeze,