Out in the dark over the snow 
The fallow fawns invisible go 
With the fallow doe; 
And the winds blow 
Fast as the stars are slow. 

Stealthily the dark haunts round 
And, when a lamp goes, without sound 
At a swifter bound 
Than the swiftest hound, 
Arrives, and all else is drowned; 

And I and star and wind and deer, 
Are in the dark together, — near, 
Yet far, — and fear 
Drums on my ear 
In that sage company drear. 

How weak and little is the light, 
All the universe of sight, 
Love and delight, 
Before the might, 
If you love it not, of night.