Quotes from Walter Scott, Marmion, 1808

'Twas Christmas broach'd the mightiest ale; 'Twas Christmas told the merriest tale; A Christmas gambol oft could cheer The poor man's heart through half the year.

Danger, long travel, want or woe, Soon change the form that best we know— For deadly fear can time outgo, And blanch at once the hair.

When dark December glooms the day, And takes our autumn joys away; When short and scant the sun-beam throws Upon the weary waste of snows...