Is not so drear as was my boding dream

While Autumn gleamed its latest watery gleam

On sapless leafage too inert to fall.

Still leaves and berries clothe my garden wall

Where ivy thrives on scantiest sunny beam;

Still here a bud and there a blossom seem

Hopeful, and robin still is musical.

Leaves, flowers and fruit and one delightful song

Remain; these days are short, but now the nights

Intense and long, hang out their utmost lights;

Such starry nights are long, yet not too long;

Frost nips the weak, while strengthening still the strong