Winter Evening
(To His Old Nurse)

In black skies a storm is streaming,
Snowy whirlwind, rude and wild,
Like a savage beast now screaming,
Now lamenting like a child,
On the roof dilapidated
Shakes the thatch with sudden shocks,
Like a traveller belated
Loudly on the window knocks.

Our poor hut is old and crazy,
Melancholy and unlit.
Why, old friend, so still and lazy,
By the window do you sit?
Is there nothing you remember?
Has the loud wind struck you dumb?
Are you dropping off to slumber
With the spindle’s drowsy hum?

Let us drink, my friend, unshrinking
Helper in young manhood’s pain.
Where’s the cup? Grief calls for drinking!
Hearts will now be glad again!
Sing the Tomtit ever watching
Silently beyond the sea,
Sing the Maiden who went fetching
Water, — in the dawn went she.

In black skies a storm is streaming,
Snowy whirlwind, rude and wild,
Like a savage beast now screaming,
Now lamenting like a child.
Let us drink, my friend, unshrinking
Helper in young manhood’s pain.
Where’s the cup? Grief calls for drinking!
Hearts will now be glad again!