1. Behold the frost has marched its armies forth,
While summer's heat has humbly made retreat,

2. And all the earth lies 'neath the snow's white sheet
As though robed in a mantle or leafy cloth.

3. So light a fire whose embers, dark as night,
With flames that dance like suns, spread warmth and light,

4. The frost came on us like a maiden chaste,
And now we burn for her in fevered haste.