Winter

Antique paper-cut pattern designed by Karl Fröhlich of a snowy sleigh-ride,
a mother gathering tree limbs for burning and boys playing on the ice, oops!
one just fell through the ice . . . 

Winter by Madame de Chatelain 
paper-cut by Karl Fröhlich

Stern Winter—most unwelcome guest !— 
The earth in whitest robes has drest;
 And hast'ning through the crunching snow,
 With tinkling bells, the sledges go.

 The leafless wood looks drear and sad,

 No birds sing now with voices glad ;—

 But boys are romping far and wide,

And o'er the ice delight to slide.

 When on the panes with frost encased,

 The mimic fir-trees may be traced,

 In spite of biting cold and snow,

Poor housewives to the forest go. 

And there they gather moss to form

Their children’s bed all soft and warm,

And dried up twigs to make a blaze

That cheers the hearth with kindling rays.

Their treasures next the ashes yield,

And hot potatoes lie revealed,

Which little hungry mouths invite,

With dainty smell and welcome sight.

Lord! all Thy ways are great and good!

Thou giv’st e’en orphaned birds their food—

Thy blessing and Thy fostering care 

Alike the hut and palace share!