When Cold December

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 WHEN cold December 
Froze to grisamber 
The jangling bells on the sweet rose-trees-- 
Then fading slow 
And furred is the snow 
As the almond's sweet husk-- 
And smelling like musk.
 
The snow amygdaline 
Under the eglantine 
Where the bristling stars shine 
Like a gilt porcupine-- 
The snow confesses 
The little Princesses 
On their small chioppines 
Dance under the orpines.
 
See the casuistries 
Of their slant fluttering eyes-- 
Gilt as the zodiac 
(Dancing Herodiac).
 
Only the snow slides 
Like gilded myrrh-- 
From the rose-branches--hides 
Rose-roots that stir.

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