Softly, softly, with quiet feet,
Came Winter maiden, calm and sweet;
At night she spread her misty veil,
Till fog like floods o'er hill and dale.
From branches fall the tender leaves,
No song the shivering forest weaves;
Beasts and birds in silence stay,
Their merry calls all hushed away.
On every blade of grass at dawn
Lie tears the midnight stars have drawn;
When touched by light, they sparkle bright
Like emeralds set in silver light.
The mustard fields in yellow dressed,
Invite the birds to playful rest;
They dive and feast without a fear,
For winter's hand is kind and clear.
Sweet nectar flows from date-tree fair,
Where humming bees in sunshine share;
But when the birds sing spring's soft tune,
Dear Winter walks away too soon.
