The Return of Spring.
Next came fresh April, full of lustyhed,
And wanton as a kid whose horn new buds ;
Upon a bull he rode, the same which led
Europa floating through th’ Argolick floods :
His horns were gilden all with golden studs,
And garnished with garlands, goodly sight,
Of all the fairest flowers and freshest buds
Which earth brings forth ; and wet he seemed in sight,
With waves through which he waded with his love’s delight.
Spenser.
Innumerous songsters, in the freshening shade
Of new-sprung leaves, their modulations mix
Mellifluous . . . .
’Tis Love creates their melody, and all
This waste of music is the voice of Love.
Thomson.
She comes ! from eastern hills descending low ;1
A central snowdrop (pearl of all the flowers),2
With aureole of crocus on her brow,3
The Queen of Spring in sunshine veiled in showers !4
She comes !— she comes ! Her path of liquid light5
Reflects the glories of her golden hair ;6
The loving breeze plays round her limbs so white,7
And woos the beauties of her bosom fair.8
Treading the dance they dances at Nature’s birth,9
A virgin train strew on her jocund way10
Sweet buds and leaflets of the dædal earth,11
And hail her coming with triumphant lay.12
The modest daffodil, the harebell bright,13
The blushing hyacinth, the primrose pale,14
The dark-blue violet, and, so silvery white,15
The lady-smock—all scent the welcoming gale.16
For her the elm throws off his wintry frown ;17
The lime puts forth his show of softest green ;18
With red buds studding his old Druid crown,19
The lusty oak salutes the wanton queen.20
From garden hive, wild dell, and mossy bower,21
The swarming bees with joyful hum arise,22
In dreamy flight, to drink from every flower23
Spring’s first rich draught of nectar from the skies !24
From blossoming hedge, from budding copse and tree,25
Innumerable birds, all heavenward borne,26
Raise o’er the happy land and echoing sea27
Their hymn of joy, to hail the April morn.28
Shaking the dewdrops from her speckled breast,29
The lark her wilding notes sounds clear and strong,30
And soars in whirling flight high o’er the rest,31
To lead the chorus with her opening song :—32
Welcome to thee, Lady Spring !33
Once again thy bounteous reign34
Heaven and earth rejoicing sing :35
Welcome—weleome back again !36
Grateful warblers join the song—37
Love live happy ! Love live long !38
O’er hill and dale, from shore to shore,39
Love, fond Love, for evermore !40
Grateful for thy blessings twain,41
Balmy breeze and sunny glow,42
Cheering with Love’s fires again43
All things breathing life below.44
Choicest boon from Nature’s hand,45
Nature’s great and first command,46
Sing its praises o’er and o’er,47
Love, fond Love, for evermore !48