(Macmillan's Magazine, Dec. 1866.)
Oh the cheerful Budding-time! When thorn-hedges turn to green,When new leaves of elm and lime Cleave and shed their winter screen;Tender lambs are born and 'baa,' North wind finds no snow to bring,Vigorous Nature laughs 'Ha, ha,' In the miracle of spring.
Oh the gorgeous Blossom-days! When broad flag-flowers drink and blow,In and out in summer-blaze Dragon-flies flash to and fro;Ashen branches hang out keys, Oaks put forth the rosy shoot,Wandering herds wax sleek at ease, Lovely blossoms end in fruit.
Oh the shouting Harvest-weeks! Mother earth grown fat with sheavesThrifty gleaner finds who seeks; Russet-golden pomp of leavesCrowns the woods, to fall at length; Bracing winds are felt to stir,Ocean gathers up her strength, Beasts renew their dwindled fur.
Oh the starving Winter-lapse! Ice-bound, hunger-pinched and dim;Dormant roots recall their saps, Empty nests show black and grim,Short-lived sunshine gives no heat, Undue buds are nipped by frost,Snow sets forth a winding-sheet, And all hope of life seems lost.