Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By JohnShaw

26 Sleighing Song

WHEN calm is the night, and the stars shine bright,

The sleigh glides smooth and cheerily;

And mirth and jest abound,

While all is still around,

Save the horses’ trampling sound,

And the horse-bells tinkling merrily.

But when the drifting snow in the traveller’s face shall blow,

And hail is driving drearily,

And the wind is shrill and loud,

Then no sleigh shall stir abroad,

Nor along the beaten road

Shall the horse-bells tinkle merrily.

But to-night the skies are clear, and we have not to fear

That the time should linger wearily;

For good-humor has a charm

Even winter to disarm,

And our cloaks shall wrap us warm,

And the bells shall tinkle merrily.