University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The poetical works of John Nicholson

... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird
 

expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section
expand section

EVENING IN APRIL.

(ON FIRST HEARING A BEE, 1824.)

Welcome with thy monotone,
Black and yellow lab'rer sweet!
Thou this night hast nearly done
Dancing with thy little feet
On the willow's honeyed flower,
On the daisy's crimson side,
On the crocus near the bower,
Which thy velvet coat has dyed.
Thou thy little sable bill
Hast in April blossoms dipped;
From the cups upon the hill,
Luscious drops of honey sipped:
Thou hast slept the winter long,
But thy merit is not lost;
Thou hast yet the vernal song,
Spite of winter's chilling frost.

182

Thus the poet, as he sings,
While the storm of sorrow low'rs,
Finds that friendship gladness brings
Sweet as dew on honeyed flow'rs.