MARMION.

Introduction to Canto Fifth.

2 F

WHEN dark December glooms the day,

And takes our autumn joys away;

When short, and scant, the sun-beam throws
Upon the weary waste of snows,

A cold and profitless regard,
Like patron on a needy bard;
When sylvan occupation's done,
And o'er the chimney rests the gun,
And hang, in idle trophy, near,

The game-pouch, fishing-rod, and spear;

When wiry terrier, rough and grim,
And greyhound with his length of limb,
And pointer, now employed no more,
Cumber our parlour's narrow floor;
When in his stall the impatient steed
Is long condemned to rest and feed;
When from our snow-encircled home,
Scarce cares the hardiest step to roam,
Since path is none, save that to bring
The needful water from the spring;
When wrinkled news-page, thrice con'd o'er,
Beguiles the dreary hour no more,
And darkling politician, crossed,
Inveighs against the lingering post,
And answering house-wife sore complains
Of carrier's snow-impeded wains:
When such the country cheer, I come
Well pleased to seek our city home;
For converse, and for books, to change
The Forest's melancholy range,