Steadfast, a rewrite of (I, “Female Orations” by Margaret Cavendish)
Rabbits, owls, and other forest creatures, but not less furry or feathered: it is urgent that we discuss this matter without protest, though I wish it were a topic other than the snow, wind, or frost freezing our humble home, for our hearts may grow cold in this wintry hell, to make us as starved, miserable, and bitter as seeds planted in parched soil; but now we must counter this harsh season as if we are of the trees we dwell in, rather than of a perishable flesh; for the winter is strong, and we animals are weak; winter blows her icy breath upon all the lakes, ponds, hills, trees, and ferns; whereas a fox can only find warmth in his burrow, shrubs beneath the snow, sunlight above the clouds, and refuge with his comrades. Nevertheless, we will be so steadfast and valiant against her frozen touch that sorrow cannot reach us, and justify the living conditions for ourselves; but fate might bury us in this blizzard, as in a grave. Quite bluntly, winter searches like an eagle, hunts like a lion, and strikes like a snake.