NOVEMBER. 373 



Fine days will occasionally peep out so spring- 

 like, that the sky-larks attempt their flights, 

 and sing merrily ; but, perhaps, the very next 

 morning shows a landscape of frost and snow. 



1 saw the woods and fields at close of day 

 A variegated show; the meadows green, 

 Though faded, and the lands, where lately waved 

 The golden harvest, of a mellow brown, 

 Upturned so lately by the peaceful share. 

 I saw, far off, the weedy fallow smile 

 With verdure not unprofitable, grazed 

 By flocks, fast feeding, and selecting each 

 His favourite herb ; while all the leafless groves 

 That skirt the horizon, wore a sable hue, 

 Scarce noticed in the kindred dusk of eve. 

 To-morro'w brings a change, a total change, 

 Which even now, though silently performed, 

 And slowly, and by most unfelt, the face 

 Of universal nature, undergoes. 

 Fast falls the fleecy shower ; the downy flakes 

 Descending, and with never-ceasing lapse, 

 Softly alighting upon all below, 

 Assimilate all objects. Earth receives 

 Gladly the thickening mantle, and the green 

 And tender blade, that feared the chilling blast, 

 Escapes unhurt beneath so warm a veil. 



COWPER. 



The return of winter is pleasurable even in 

 its severity. The first snows that come dancing 



