Thoughts Suggested at the
Approach of Winter

The breath of Winter now begins to blow,
With rustling sound the wither’d leaves along;
And rattling hall, with drizzling sleet and snow,
In concert join and inharmonious song.

Their sound is jarring discord to the poor,
Who, pinch’d with cold and hunger, toil abroad;
Fatigued they turn to seek their cottage door,
And oft a cheerless hearth, and empty board.

Let those who all the good of life enjoy,
In pity view these num’rous scenes of woe;
And to relieve be theirs the sweet employ,
And theirs the pleasure none but they can know.

7th Nov. 1811

V.