_And lo! a thread of fate is snapped, A breaking heart makes moan; A virgin cold doth rule alone From old Mid-winter's throne_.
The piece opens with an impressive theme uttered _ppp_. The whole atmosphere soon becomes one of vast and solemn content, rising to an intense short outburst. Soon a new and rather bleak theme is heard with mournful, clashing harmonies; the whole effect is vividly recalled in _From a Log Cabin_, No. 9 of these idyls, the only piece in the set to equal this one in force. After some commentary, a series of three rushing, ascending scale passages are introduced, beginning _pppp_, then gradually becoming louder until they culminate on high and powerful chords. The opening theme reappears at the height of the climax and is expressed with passionate intensity. Gradually the music dies solemnly away again. The whole of this piece appears very different to anything of MacDowell's earlier work; its deep and almost fateful significance, together with its problematical character, is a bid for something even greater than the _Sea Pieces_ (_Op_. 55).
4. _With Sweet Lavender_ (_Molto tenero e delicato_). This piece opens with a tender and expressive theme, which is one of the most beautiful of the composer's inspirations. The passage marked _la melodia con molto_ introduces that new and deeper note which is a feature in MacDowell's last two pianoforte albums. It breaks out presently into passionate longing, but the return of the sweet opening theme, _ppp motto delicato_, brings the feeling of quiet wistful contemplation back again. The verses at the head of the piece attribute its mood to the reading of a packet of old love letters.
5. _In Deep Woods_ (_Largo impressivo_). This opens with loud and resounding chords, expressive of the majesty and beauty of American forests. At the eleventh bar a lovely theme enters, and the music from now onwards is written on four staves, but is always clear and fresh. As the full grandeur of the woods is felt, the theme takes on a splendid exultation, gradually sinking away as:--
... _The mystery of immortal things Broods o'er the woods at eve_.
The piece was one of the composer's favourites; he inscribed its opening bar on a portrait of himself which he gave to Mr. W.W.A. Elkin, his London publisher and friend.