Classic Poem

It was a frosty-cold midwinter night
Gleaming with stars. Through a pine-barren dark,
I traced a path until I came to mark
The sudden glimmer of a cabin light.
How many hearts have warmed at such a sight!
My startling herald was the watch-dog's bark.
An old man, bearded like a patriarch,
Stood silhouetted in the doorway bright
And welcomed me unto the wedding party
Noisy with fun at blind-man's buff and riddle
And all the romping-game of life bucolic.
I heard the peals of laughter long and hearty,
I caught the lusty tuning of the fiddle.
And leaped the door-step, eager for the frolic.