Winter maketh the sun in the gloomy sky

Wrap him 'round with a mantle of cloud;

But, Heaven be praised! thy step is nigh;

Thou tearest away the mournful shroud,

And the Earth looks bright, and Winter surly,

Who has toiled for naught, both late and early,

Is banished afar by the new-born year,

When thy merry step draws near!

Translation by H. W. Longfellow.      Charles, Duke of Orleans, 1391–1467.

WOODS IN WINTER.