University of Virginia Library


233

SPRING GREETING.

FROM THE GERMAN OF HERDER.

All faintly through my soul to-day,
As from a bell that far away
Is tinkled by some frolic lay,
Floateth a lovely chiming.
Thou magic bell, to many a fell
And many a winter-saddened dell
Thy tongue a tale of Spring doth tell,
Too passionate-sweet for rhyming.
Chime out, thou little song of Spring,
Float in the blue skies ravishing.
Thy song-of-life a joy doth bring
That 's sweet, albeit fleeting.
Float on the Spring-winds e'en to my home:
And when thou to a rose shalt come
That hath begun to show her bloom,
Say, I send her greeting!
Point Lookout Prison, 1864.