On blue undimmed as summer heavens wear.
Hearts glow the warmer for the bitter wind,
Stars are but brighter for the frosty night,
Of earth despoiled love climbeth holy height,
New, blossoming paths her feet, untiring, find.
Thought of thy promise shining in dim skies
Fills darkest hour with lights of Paradise.
IV.
Among thy boughs almost the sound I hear
Of Christmas bells breaking on wintry gloom;