Where gleamed the ice-bound river, smooth and wide,
I led her, o'er the crisp and sparkling snow.
Then, while the frost-elves kissed a richer glow
To maiden cheeks, we floated, side by side,
Free as the winds, and swift as shadows glide,
Down, down the broad, bright pathway.
Borne on so, It were a joyous fate, it seemed, to go
Forever with her down that charmed tide.
But now the western clouds were fringed with flame;
Above the pale hills hung the crescent moon;
Stars through the deep-blue burned; and, as the day
To dusky twilight yielded, back we came,
Across the numb and drowsy land, till soon
We saw the home lights twinkling far away.