Littell's Living Age/Volume 144/Issue 1867/Spring

streaming gaily, Skies of deeper blue, Crimson-budded woodlands, Fields of greener hue, Tell the winter-weary Spring returns anew.

All is now forgotten, As the wild-birds sing, Of the biting north blast — Winter's numbing sting — And of weary longing For the jocund spring.

For the vernal sweetness Screens the darksome past; Light falls where the shadows Erst were grim and fast: In the lifeful present All is joy at last.

Shouts and youthful laughter Rise from out the dells Where the runlets babble, Where the primrose dwells, Where the cups and daisies Leave their winter cells.

Over hill and valley, Through the meadows gay, By the brimming rivers Countless roamers stray, Glad and sunny-hearted As the sun-bright day.

Age and youth a-level, Sage and wayward boy, Feel the sweet heart-throbbing, All the life and joy Of bright April's bringing — Gifts that never cloy.

Sunlight streaming gaily, Rain in sunny showers, Balmy west winds blowing, Groups of infant flowers, Hearts with pleasure beating Fill the merry hours.