Seasons

(Macmillan's Magazine, Dec. 1866.)     Oh the cheerful Budding-time!         When thorn-hedges turn to green,     When new leaves of elm and lime         Cleave and shed their winter screen;     Tender lambs are born and 'baa,'         North wind finds no snow to bring,     Vigorous Nature laughs 'Ha, ha,'         In the miracle of spring.     Oh the gorgeous Blossom-days!         When broad flag-flowers drink and blow,     In and out in summer-blaze         Dragon-flies flash to and fro;     Ashen branches hang out keys,         Oaks put forth the rosy shoot,     Wandering herds wax sleek at ease,         Lovely blossoms end in fruit.     Oh the shouting Harvest-weeks!         Mother earth grown fat with sheaves     Thrifty gleaner finds who seeks;         Russet-golden pomp of leaves     Crowns the woods, to fall at length;         Bracing winds are felt to stir,     Ocean gathers up her strength,         Beasts renew their dwindled fur.     Oh the starving Winter-lapse!         Ice-bound, hunger-pinched and dim;     Dormant roots recall their saps,         Empty nests show black and grim,     Short-lived sunshine gives no heat,         Undue buds are nipped by frost,     Snow sets forth a winding-sheet,         And all hope of life seems lost.