One morning, when the world was grey and cold,
   And every face looked dull and full of care,
There passed me, puffing clouds of silver breath,
   A lovely maiden, with a jaunty air.

The red carnations flamed in both her cheeks,
   Her teeth were white and shown; while either eye
Shone like a little pool on Christchurch Hill
   When it has stolen more than half the sky.

And when I saw such beauty, young and fresh,
   So proud, although the day was grey and cold,
'Who ever saw,' I laughed, and stared amazed,
   'Such impudence before in this old world!'