Page:Hand in hand; (IA handinhand00kipl).pdf/17



T was spring-time, but not the early spring; April had wept her blue eyes clear again, And happy children tumbled in the grass,
 * And little fingers forged a daisy chain,

In whose slight fetters willing captives lay; While older children watched the pretty play With smiling toleration in their eyes, Who pares the same game last year—now too wise!

The scentless later violets grew by scores,
 * Untouched, no hand had cared to gather them;

Wild hyacinths were bluer than the skies,
 * The wind-flower danced upon its slender stem;

A foot above the ground the young corn stood, And over all was poured a golden flood Of warm May sunshine—in its radiant light The whole world seemed transfigured to the sight.

Beneath a chestnut, pelted by the shower Of milk-white blossom, which a gentle breeze Shook lightly from the branches, over-ripe, I lay in perfect ecstasy of ease.