POETRY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 132, 2 November 1874, Page 3

POETRY.

THE RETURN OF SPRING

By Jonh Sheehan, Author of * ‘ The Irish Whisky-Drinker Papers. ” 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 he seemed in sight, With waves through which he waded with his love’s delight. Spenser. Innumerons 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; A central snowdrop (pearl of all the flowers), With auerole of crocus on her brow, The Queen of Spring in sunshine veiled in showers ! She comes !—she comes ! Her path of liquid light Reflects the glories of her golden hair ; The loving breeze plays round her limbs so white, And woos the beauties of her bosom fair. Treading the dance they danced at Nature’s birth, A virgin train strew on her jocund way Sweet buds and leaflets of the d;edal earth, And hail her coming with triumphant lay. The modest daffodil, the harebell bright, The blushing hyacinth, the primrose pale, The dark-blue violet, and so silvery white, The lady-smock—all scent the welcoming gale. For her the elm throws ofl’ his wintry frown ; The lime puts forth his show of softest • green ; With red buds studding his old Druid crown, The lusty oak salutes the wanton queen. From garden hive, wild dell, and mossy bower, The swarming bees with joyful hum arise, In dreamy(flight, to drink from every flower Spring’s first rich draught of nectar from the skies ! From blossoming hedge, from budding copse and tree, Innumerable birds, all heavenward borne, Raise o’er the happy land and echoing sea Their hymn of joy, to hail the April morn. Shaking the dewdrops from her speckled breast, The lark her wilding notes sound clear and strong, And soars in whirling flight high o’er the i-est, To lead the chorus with her opening song : Welcome to thee, Lady Spring ! Once again thy bounteous reign Heaven and earth rejoicing sing ; Welcome—welcome back again ! Grateful warblers join the song—Love live happy ! Love live long ! j, ■, \ O’er hill and dale, from shore to shore, i,s ‘ | Love, fond Love, for evermore ! Grateful for thy blessings twain, Balmy breeze and sunny glow, Cheering with Love’s fires again All things breathing life below. Choicest Ijoon from Nature’s hand, Nature’s great and first command, J Sing its praises o’er and o’er, ls ' ( Love, fond Love, for evermore !