I said, seeing how the winter gale increased

I said, seeing how the winter gale increased,
Even as waxed within us and grew strong
The ancient tempest of desire, “At least,
It is the season when the nights are long.
Well flown, well shattered from the summer hedge
The early sparrow and the opening flowers!—
Late climbs the sun above the southerly edge
These days, and sweet to love those added hours.”
Alas, already does the dark recede,
And visible are the trees against the snow.
Oh, monstrous parting, oh, perfidious deed,
How shall I leave your side, how shall I go? . . .
Unnatural night, the shortest of the year,
Farewell! ’Tis dawn. The longest day is here.