To Spring

Hail, beauteous maiden, gentle spring! I see thee slowly move, On lowering wings, on yon green hill From yon blue fields above.

Hail, beauteous Spring! my bosom swells With joy to feel thee near, Thy joyful advent now dispels The winter, dark and drear.

Hail, beauteous Spring, the meads are green, The lordly elms rejoice; Yon river flashes in the light, The springs send up a voice.

The blue-bird sings thy welcome sweet From yonder blooming tree, The redbreast pours his simple note, A tribute glad, to thee.

The cuckoo comes to join thy train, With his melodious lay, Until his song, a rapture! runs O'er all thy pleasant way.

Hail, heavenly Spring! a thousand throats, Re-echo with thy praise; Thou bring'st the time of flowers and light Of bright and cloudless days.

Hail, beauteous earth! thou art the type Returning with each year, To tell us of another land Whose sky is always clear.

All hail, bright spring, celestial maid! Who fill'st my singing heart; But never tongue or lyre shall speak The Transport which thou art!