University of Virginia Library

II. SPRING.

When Phoebus in our horizon ascends,
His powerful heat into the earth he sends,
Causing all herbs, trees, fruits and flow'rs to spring,
And birds on various boughs to chant and sing.
The hills and holms rejoice on ev'ry side,
With vernal green all deck'd and beautify'd.
The tender buds they by degrees break out,
And clothe the trees with mantles round about.

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The lambkins skip, swift as the skiffing wind,
And sprouting corns gladden the farmer's mind.
All things look gay: so reason youth inspires;
But misimproves't, and yields to carnal fires.
He chears his heart, and feasts his wanton eyes
On empty objects, and false vanities.
Like as the Spring in beauty doth increase,
So youth aspires to pride and haughtiness;
Boasts in his strength, and other nat'ral parts;
Thus carnal thoughts replenish carnal hearts.
He shuns the counsel from the wise-man's mouth,
That doth advise all in the time of youth,
To mind our powerful great Creator, who
Can into hell both soul and body throw.