Meditatioun In Wyntir

 Meditatioun In Wyntir is a contemplative poem in Scots by William Dunbar (born 1459 or 1460).
In the work, Dunbar describes how Winter lowers his spirits. While beset by melancholy and insomnia, he meditates indecisively on thwarted ambition, ageing and mortality, causing him to become depressed. The approaching end of Winter restores his sense of hope.
The poem seems to be inspired by Dunbar's personal experience; his brief reference to dissatisfaction of life "into this court" might be interpreted as referring to the royal court of King James IV.
The text is preserved in the Maitland Folio Manuscript.
Synopsis.
Meditatioun In Wyntir is composed in a sober, thoughtful style in ten stanzas of five lines each. It opens with a description of the season and the depressing effect of its weather and lengthening nights. The poet cannot find pleasure in songs, poetry or plays.
Suffering from insomnia and the "heavy thoughts" that accompany it, his mind is troubled.
He is visited by four personifications, who offer him conflicting advice. "Despair" tells him that he
must find a reliable livelihood or face an unhappy and difficult life.
"Patience" disagrees and urges the poet to be steady and hopeful that his luck will change. 
"Fortune's" anger can not be appeased with reason, she adds.
"Prudence" then accuses him of being inconsistent in his aims. He clings to things that cannot last. He is "tending to another place" and "making a journey every day."
"Age", in exceptionally friendly terms, invites the poet to take his hand then reminds him 
that he will eventually have to "make account" for his life.
"Death" opens his gates and says bluntly, "Through there, you will abide", 
adding "You will stoop under this lintel, there is no other way".
No pleasure can stop the poet from dwelling on his unhappy thoughts.
Only the shortening of the nights begins to restore his happiness. He longs for the arrival of Summer.