The Voice Of Spring

I heard a voice--twas the voice of Spring, Up from the rivulets murmuring, Singing of freedom,--thus the lay On the breezes floated away-- "Joy! joy!--the chains that bound us Now disappear, Sunlight pours its treasures round us, Warm, warm and clear, Onward, speeding onward To the bright main, Chainless, free, unfettered, Are we again!"

I heard a voice--'twas the voice of Spring, Out from the hill sides whispering, And a tender strain from the woodland lone Blended with it in murmurous tone-- "Joy! joy!--the world is waking From her long rest,-- Earth a glow of warmth is taking To her chill breast,-- Tiny flower germs, hidden Long out of sight, Stealing forth unbidden, Seek the warm light!"

I heard a voice--'twas the voice of Spring, Over the waters wandering, As to the wilds came the song birds back, Singing still in their homeward track-- "Joy! joy!--we're home returning To the free hills, From our long and far sojourning, Now, to the rills, To the echoing forest. Orchard and plain, With our old-time music, Speed we again!"

I heard a voice--'twas the voice of Spring,-- Nature, all Nature awoke to sing; And every valley, and grove, and plain Had its share in the welcome strain:-- "Joy! joy!--the chains are broken, Spring smiles again,-- Joy for every blessed token Of her glad reign,-- Joy on all the waters, Joy on each shore.-- Sunlight, song, sweet odors, Welcome once more!"