The woodland nymphs are charming us anew,

And yon blue dome acquires a richer hue.

Waked from its winter's sleep on gauzy wing,

The butterfly flits past no more to cling

A slave forlorn to some enamored branch.

How joyfully the laughing lilies launch

Their dainty barques; they safe at anchor swing

In many a sylvan nook. Swift and free

The swallow skims athwart the river's breast

A burnished emblem of the glancing sea