University of Virginia Library

IV.
A VERNAL HYMN.

The fresh spring burgeons into bloom—
And Earth with all her vernal charms
Lies like a queenly bride enclasped
Within her heavenly bridegroom's arms;

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The storms that raved have sunk to peace;
Freed rivulets weave a blithesome lay,
And blissful Nature softly sings
Preludings of her perfect day!
Meanwhile there's not a breeze that thrills
Leaf, bud, and flower with genial kiss,—
Which does not breathe thy mystic hope,
Oh, soul of Palingenesis:—
Glance where we may, the symbols rise
Of loftier loves and lives to be:—
This marvellous spring-time seems to grasp
The skirts of immortality!