Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Alfred Domett 1811–87

A Glee for Winter

HENCE, rude Winter! crabbed old fellow,

Never merry, never mellow!

Well-a-day! in rain and snow

What will keep one’s heart aglow?

Groups of kinsmen, old and young,

Oldest they old friends among;

Groups of friends, so old and true

That they seem our kinsmen too;

These all merry all together

Charm away chill Winter weather.

What will kill this dull old fellow?

Ale that ’s bright, and wine that ’s mellow!

Dear old songs for ever new;

Some true love, and laughter too;

Pleasant wit, and harmless fun,

And a dance when day is done.

Music, friends so true and tried,

Whisper’d love by warm fireside,

Mirth at all times all together,

Make sweet May of Winter weather.