Over the earth the glittering snow Sparkles with beauty to-night; Diamonds and pearls in the moonbeams glow, Flashing and gleaming with light; The evergreens, laden with frost and sleet, Like crystal minarets stand. Father of light! Thou hast made it sweet To live in this ice-clad land.
The snow-flakes have danced back and forth,— Such weird, soft, fluttering things.— Fairy-like elves, they cover the earth With their tiny, outspread wings; The rough, wild winds, so pitiless oft, Shaking each sheltering bough, Driving and whirling them rudely aloft, Or deep in some crevice low.
A garment of beauty they weave To garnish the poor frozen earth,— Their busy, wee hands fain would leave No vestige of blight or dearth,— Like the mantle of faith, hope and peace Falling on sin-blighted souls; By the richness of truth, love and grace, Woven in soft, shining folds.
Beautiful Snow! thy mission to earth, Ere long, must surely be done! Soon the birds will be trilling their mirth, And the flowers peep out at the sun. The pine-trees are whispering low Of the coming spring-time bright, And from the tips of their fingers throw Thee farewell kisses to-night.
