University of Virginia Library

ODE TO THE SPRING.

Lo! the surly Winter's past,
With ev'ry Ruffian Blast,
That howl'd upon the Mountain's Brow,
And shook the sounding Woods below.
Thee! lovely Spring! with Joy we view,
To Thee our choicest Songs are due:
For Thee the sprouting Births appear,
Thou genial Morning of the year!
By Thee the kindling Blushes rise,
And brighter Charms in Phæbe's Eyes;
Thy softning Gales her Bosom move,
Whilst all her yielding Soul is Love.
Hail! lovely, charming, blushing Spring!
For Thee the Birds begin to sing,
And chaunt to all the list'ning Grove,
Their gentle Roundelays of Love:
For Thee the fost'ring Breezes blow,
And Streams in fuller Currents flow:
Inspir'd by Thee gross Atoms Life receive,
And animated Earth begins to live.
Since now you fill young Phæbe's Mind
With Love, Oh! teach her to be kind:
Tell her in Whispers, 'tis no Crime
To pluck the Roses in their Prime,
That Beauty's Blossom quickly flies,
And, if not timely gather'd, dies.
Lovely Season of Desire!
Set her tender Breast on Fire;
Happiest Season of the Year!
Make her kind, as she is Fair:
To Thee my choicest Stores I'll bring,
Lovely, charming, blushing Spring!
To Thee an Altar I will raise,
Soft, Virgin-Choirs shall sing thy Praise,
Whilst Musick breaths the sprightly Lays;
For bounteous are thy Gifts, and pleasant all thy Days.