With leafless crocus, leaf-veiled violet,
Auricula with powdered cup, primrose
That loves to lurk below the hawthorn shade.
Graham.
Spring is strong and virtuous,
Broad—sowing, cheerful, plenteous,
Quickening underneath the mould
Grains beyond the price of gold.
So deep and large her bounties are,
That one broad, long midsummer day
Shall to the planet overpay
The ravage of a year of war.
Emerson.
In wild moor or sterile heath,
Bright with the golden furze, beneath
O'erhanging bush or shelving stone,
The little stonechat dwells alone,
Or near his brother of the whin;
Among the foremost to begin
His pretty love-songs tinkling sound,
And rest low seated on the ground;
Not heedless of the winding pass,
That leads him through the secret grass.
Bishop Chant.