Winter [image 736x819 pixels 75]

“WINTER.
Hoary, and dim, and bare, and shivering
Like a poor almsman comes the aged Year,
With kind “God save you all, good gentlefolks!”
Heap on fresh fuel, make a blazing fire,
Bring out the cup of kindness, spread the board,
and gladden Winter with our cheerfulnes!
Wassail!—To you, and yours, and all!—All health!” (p. 1561)

This heads the entry for December 7th, which is said to be the natural commencement of Winter. An old man crouches by a rather small and smokey fire. He is dressed in tattered clothing.

Winter details