Time was, blest Power! when youths and maids At peep of dawn would rise, And wander forth, in forest glades Thy birth to solemnize. Though mute the song-to grace the rite Untouched the hawthorn bough, Thy Spirit triumphs o'er the slight; Thy feathered Lieges bill and wings. Warmed by thy influence, creeping things Awake to silent joy: Queen art thou still for each gay plant Cloud-piercing peak, and trackless heath, Nor wants the dim-lit cave a wreath Their puniest flower-pot-nursling dares And if, on this thy natal morn, Still from the village-green a vow Yes! where Love nestles thou canst teach The soul to love the more; Hearts also shall thy lessons reach That never loved before. Stript is the haughty one of pride, Hush, feeble lyre! weak words refuse His voice shall chant, in accents clear, Throughout the live-long day, Till the first silver star appear, The sovereignty of May. 1826 275 XXXIX. TO MAY. THOUGH many suns have risen and set Delicious odours! music sweet, That, when a thousand years are told, Earth, sea, thy presence feel-nor less, With its soft smile the truth express, Let fall a brightened tear. Since thy return, through days and weeks Have kindled into health! The Old, by thee revived, have said, And wayworn Wanderers, poorly fed, Who tripping lisps a merry song But now, when every sharp-edged blast His Mother leaves him free to taste Thy help is with the weed that creeps And yet how pleased we wander forth When May is whispering, "Come! "Choose from the bowers of virgin earth "The happiest for your home; "Heaven's bounteous love through me is spread "From sunshine, clouds, winds, waves, "Drops on the mouldering turret's head, "And on your turf-clad graves!" Such greeting heard, away with sighs Vernal fruitions and desires Are linked in endless chase; While, as one kindly growth retires, Another takes its place. And what if thou, sweet May, hast known Mishap by worm and blight; If expectations newly blown Have perished in thy sight; If loves and joys, while up they sprung, Were caught as in a snare; Such is the lot of all the young, However bright and fair. Lo! Streams that April could not check Gurgling in foamy water-break, By thee, thee only, could be sent |