Note 141 — DANTE.[1] (continued 2)

In the new year, when Sol his tresses gay Dips in Aquarius, and the tardy night Divides her empire with the lengthening day— When o'er the earth the hoar-frost pure and bright Assumes the image of her sister white, Then quickly melts before the genial light— The rustic, now exhausted his supply, Rises betimes—looks out—and sees the land All white around, whereat he strikes his thigh— Turns back—and grieving—wanders here and there, Like one disconsolate and at a stand; Then issues forth, forgetting his despair, For lo! the face of nature he beholds Changed on a sudden—takes his crook again, And drives his flock to pasture from the folds.—Wright.