The Voice Of Spring

I heard a voice - twas the voice of Spring,     Up from the rivulets murmuring,     Singing of freedom, - thus the lay     On the breezes floated away -             "Joy! joy! - the chains that bound us                 Now disappear,             Sunlight pours its treasures round us,                 Warm, warm and clear,             Onward, speeding onward                 To the bright main,             Chainless, free, unfettered,                 Are we again!"     I heard a voice - 'twas the voice of Spring,     Out from the hill sides whispering,     And a tender strain from the woodland lone     Blended with it in murmurous tone -             "Joy! joy! - the world is waking                 From her long rest, -             Earth a glow of warmth is taking                 To her chill breast, -             Tiny flower germs, hidden                 Long out of sight,             Stealing forth unbidden,                 Seek the warm light!"     I heard a voice - 'twas the voice of Spring,     Over the waters wandering,     As to the wilds came the song birds back,     Singing still in their homeward track -             "Joy! joy! - we're home returning                 To the free hills,             From our long and far sojourning,                 Now, to the rills,             To the echoing forest.                 Orchard and plain,             With our old-time music,                 Speed we again!"     I heard a voice - 'twas the voice of Spring, -     Nature, all Nature awoke to sing;     And every valley, and grove, and plain     Had its share in the welcome strain: -             "Joy! joy! - the chains are broken,                 Spring smiles again, -             Joy for every blessed token                 Of her glad reign, -             Joy on all the waters,                 Joy on each shore. -             Sunlight, song, sweet odors,                 Welcome once more!"