JULSNÖ ÖVER BYGDEN

White are the heavens. This Yuletide morning,
White snow falls, oh, how prettily!
Swansdown and crystal it weaves, adorning
Tenderly land and sea.

Gently it covers the foul, the sickly,
Wrapping soft folds over mountain and dale,
Motherly fingers conceal them quickly
Under a shining veil.

Snow of Yule on my home-land sprinkling,
Beautiful, white, — I welcome thee.
Childhood Yule-days with great halls twinkling
Thou dost reveal to me.

Now yet again as a boy I 'm gazing
Out, with my face to the pane held tight,
Over the pines I watch the mazing
Whirl of the snowflakes' flight.

Boy cheeks are flaming with joy ecstatic,
Yule traditions take life anew,
Home is once more from base to attic
Garnished and festive too.

Are there not steps that tap in the hall now?
Is not the brownie pattering near?
Is not the tree lit? Has not the ball now
Started its joyous career?

Quietly, swiftly the Yule-night passes,
Sleighs at the steps await us in line.
Heaven is on fire with sparkling masses,
Brightly the torches shine.

Off then to church mid the sleigh-bells' glory!
Myriad candles! organ-notes long!
Life is as fair and rich as a story
Woven of starlight and song.

Snow of Yule on my home-land resting,
Long have I roamed the road of the years.
Now in the halls of my youth I 'm guesting —
Wet is my cheek with tears.