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.