I 

The air is silent save where stirs 
A bugling breeze among the firs; 
The virgin world in white array 
Waits for the bridegroom kiss of day; 
All heaven blooms rarely in the east 
Where skies are silvery and fleeced, 
And o'er the orient hills made glad 
The morning comes in wonder clad; 
Oh, 'tis a time most fit to see 
How beautiful the dawn can be! 


II 

Wide, sparkling fields snow-vestured lie 
Beneath a blue, unshadowed sky; 
A glistening splendor crowns the woods 
And bosky, whistling solitudes; 
In hemlock glen and reedy mere 
The tang of frost is sharp and clear;
Life hath a jollity and zest, 
A poignancy made manifest; 
Laughter and courage have their way 
At noontide of a winter's day.


III 

Faint music rings in wold and dell, 
The tinkling of a distant bell, 
Where homestead lights with friendly glow 
Glimmer across the drifted snow; 
Beyond a valley dim and far 
Lit by an occidental star, 
Tall pines the marge of day beset 
Like many a slender minaret, 
Whence priest-like winds on crystal air 
Summon the reverent world to prayer.