Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 19 1827.pdf/13



But what awak'st thou in the heart, O Spring? The human heart with all its dreams and sighs? Thou that giv'st back so many a buried thing, Restorer of forgotten harmonies! Fresh songs and scents break forth, where'er thou art— What wak'st thou in the heart?

Too much, oh! there too much!—We know not well Wherefore it should be thus, yet roused by thee, What fond strange yearnings, from the soul's deep cell, Gush for the faces we no more shall see! How are we haunted, in thy wind's low tone, By voices that are gone!

Looks of familiar love, that never more, Never on earth, our aching eyes shall meet, Past words of welcome to our household door, And vanish'd smiles, and sounds of parted feet— Spring! midst the murmurs of thy flowering trees, Why, why reviv'st thou these?

Vain longings for the Dead!—why come they back With thy young birds, and leaves, and living blooms? —Oh! is it not, that from thine earthly track, Hope to thy world may look beyond the tombs? Yes! gentle Spring; no sorrow dims thine air, Breathed by our loved ones there!F. H.