Falling upon the frozen world last night,
  I heard the slow beat of the winter Rain--
  Poor foolish drops, down-dripping all in vain;
The ice-bound Earth but mocked their puny might,
Far better had the fixedness of white
And uncomplaining snows--which make no sign,
But coldly smile, when pitying moonbeams shine--
Concealed its sorrows from all human sight.
Long, long ago, in blurred and burdened years,
  I learned the uselessness of uttered woe.
  Though sinewy Fate deals her most skillful blow,
I do not waste the gall now of my tears,
But feed my pride upon its bitter, while
I look straight in the world's bold eyes, and smile.