Gentle as a maidenâs dream, Softly as the gliding stream, Falls the glittering, sparkling snow. With its wealth of crystal pearlsâ â Shining, pure-white coronals, With its robe of silvery sheen, Decking earth like virgin queen.
As the noiseless flakes descend, As they downward quickly tend, Floating waves of downy snow. Garnered from the upper realms; Harvested by unknown hands, Gulfed from cloudlandâs brightest bower, Sent to earth as richest dower.
Symbol pure, and emblem sweet! Type of purity! âtwere meet That many swell the strain attuned. Clad with garb like angels wearâ â Robed in heavenâs holiest gearâ â Pure, white snow, I welcome thee, Hymning lays of minstrelsy.
Maiden
River, why in ceaseless flow Must you ripple to and fro? Stop a while. Lonely on thy bank I stand, On your shining, pebbly strand, Canst thou not a moment stay Through the long, long summer day? Stop a while.
River
Child of earth dost thou not know Neâer can cease my endless flow? I must go. Onward till I reach my outlet, Out beyond the golden sunset, Seek not then to stay my flowing, Onward still I must be going To my goal.
Maiden
River, when the storms are raging, Wind and rain a warfare waging, Do you fear? When thy waves with whitened crest, Toss around in wild unrest, Doth thy bosom shake with fear, Trembling, lest thy end is near? Say, O! say.
River
Child, my race will neâer be run Not till yonder blazing sun Fades away. Look tâwards the horizonâs crest, See the mighty Oceanâs breast, Now its billowy waves are still, He who says it is My will, Keepeth me.
Maiden
River, shouldâst thou chance to see, On thy journey through the lea, Snow white sail? Reaching out towards the clouds, Quivering with its massive shrouds, Touch it gently with thy arms, Shield it safe from rude alarms, It is mine.
River
Child of earth hast thou not heard? That He knows of beast and bird Every hair, Can He not then bring to thee Safe from oâer the murmuring sea. Mortal child O! neâer despair, âShip ahoy!â may greet thy ear, Soon, ay soon.
Maiden
River, then glide sweetly on, Till thy goal is safely won, Till at last Thou dost hear like thunder roar, Breaking from the golden shore, Awful words from sacred lore, Time for thee shall be no more. River, farewell.