My first was dreary, cold, and dark 
As I left my second's door,.
The sky showed not one diamond spark, 
And I heard no sound but the watch-dog's bank
As l wandered the wild heath o'er.

In a lonely spot I chanced to be 
When my third came fiercely on ; 
He tore my cloak and hat from me, 
And drove me under an old dead tree, 
And left me there  alone.

Then swiftly the dark clouds passed away, 
And the silver moon did fling
On my path once more her gentle ray, 
And my whole began from the greenwood spray
Her blithsome caroling.

Exercise minimal norm of decency!