PLACED OVER A CHIMNEY-PIECE br br Surly Winter, come not here; br Bluster in thy proper sphere: br Howl along the naked plain, br There exert thy joyless reign; br Triumph o'er the withered flower, br The leafless shrub, the ruined bower; br But our cottage come not near;— br Other springs inhabit here, br Other sunshine decks our board, br Than the niggard skies afford. br Gloomy Winter, hence! away! br Love and Fancy scorn thy sway; br Love and Joy, and friendly Mirth, br Shall bless this roof, these walls, this hearth; br The rigour of the year controul, br And thaw the winter in the soul.