The Stormy Night

HOW roars this wintry tempest, fierce and loud,
Borne from far passes of the ice-locked hills!
How raves this desolate rain, whose tumult fills
The whole dark heaven up-piled with cloud on cloud;
While yonder quivering pine-trees, drenched and bowed,
Blend their strange moaning with the noise of rills,
And one swift stream, whose angry clarion shrills,
Piercing the mists which o'er it cling and crowd!
Roar, mighty wind! rave on, thou merciless rain!
Uproot, and madly ravage--whilst ye may;
Your furious voices smite mine ears in vain,
For, housed and warmed by this bright fireside cheer,--
Safe as on some calm springtide's calmest day,
I mock your ire, nor heed your wild despair.