Oh, Say !
Oh, say, has the tremulous snowdrop1
Rung its bells o’er the frozen mould ?2
Or the crocus arrayed its lances3
As a guard for the cup of gold ?4
Or timorous eye of the daisy5
Peeped out from her veil of grass,6
To enquire if the Spring be coming7
From the courier-winds that pass ?8
Oh, say, are the tree-buds swelling,9
With a promise of future leaves ?10
Do the young birds seem to be courting,11
Or building beneath the eaves ?12
Have the breezes or sunbeams whispered,13
“ Surly Winter has ceased to reign ? ”14
Do the brooks run along rejoicing15
To escape from his icy chain ?16
I long for a token of Springtide17
Beyond that of lengthening light ;18
I would fain see an early daisy,19
Or a snowdrop so pure and white.20
I have lain so long on my pillows,21
My soul had so nigh taken wing,22
I long for the perfume and promise23
That come with the blooms of the Spring !24