The Rabbit leaps

The Rabbit leaps
The mouse outcreeps
The flag out-peeps
Beside the brook.

The ferret weeps
The marmot sleeps
The owlet keeps
In his snug nook.

The apples thaw
The ravens caw
The squirrels gnaw
The frozen fruit;

To their retreat
We track the feet
Of mice that eat
The apples root.

The willows droop
The alders stoop
The pheasants group
Beneath the snow.

The catkins green
Cast o'er the scene
A summer sheen
A genial glow.

The snow dust falls
The otter crawls
The partridge calls
Far in the wood

The traveller dreams
The tree-ice gleams
The blue jay screams
In angry mood.