The evergreens stand proudly now, When all the other trees are bare; As bravely green as if 'twere spring Instead of winter, everywhere; They are like Norsemen, Viking-bold, Who breast the bitter northern gale With head unbowed and cheek unblanched, Where weaker men would faint and fail; See, in the midst of trees that cringe, Dismayed by winter's buffeting, They laugh a challenge to the storm And sing triumphantly of spring! |