The weather was so cruel that eve
   that many feared to leave
   their homes to walk the cobbled roads.

The wind swiftly swept through streets
   and at each building it did meet
   howled at all its occupants.

The noise upon each window pane
   was deafening as the rain
   stormed out of the clouds.

Yet oil lamps at each corner brightly
   persisted in offering light
   to anyone that might pass their way.