Winter Lyrics

Behind the gloomy tyrant's awful form
Binding the captive earth in icy claims
His chilling breath sweeps o'er the watery plains
Howls in the blast, and swells the rising storm

See from its centre bends the rifted tower
Threat'ning the lowly vale with frowning pride
O'ver the scared flocks that seek its sheltering side
A fearful ruin o'er their heads to pour

While to the cheerful hearth and social board
Content and ease repair, the sons of want
Receive from niggard fate their pittance scant
And where some shed bleak covert may afford
Wan poverty, amidst her meagre host
Casts round her haggard eyes, and shivers at the frost