"Seize the day," in late 19th century terms

To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life... Not to discriminate every moment some passionate attitude in those about us, and in the brilliancy of their gifts some tragic dividing of forces on their ways, is, on this short day of frost and sun, to sleep before evening. -- Walter Pater, "Conclusion" to The Renaissance

How brilliant is "on this short day of frost and sun, to sleep before evening"? If any of you have heard the first track of the Arcade Fire's album, "Tunnels," about digging tunnels through the deep Montreal snow, the "short day" part is even better.

Who's Hula?