And armed strongly;
yet he pictures it, as it advances, scattering blessings around, calling on the buds to throw aside their wintry vestments, and come forth to gladden the earth with their smiles. Such is, in reality, the progress of the season. In the early days of the month
“Winter, still lingering on the verge of Spring,
Retires reluctant, and, from time to time,
Looks back.”
As it proceeds, however —
“The splendid raiment of the Spring peeps forth
Her universal green, and the clear sky
Delights still more and more the gazing eye,”
and all is joy and gladness. The lark is caroling in the clear blue vault of heaven; the notes of the blackbird resound through the yet leafless groves; the robin is again heard from his lofty perch on the branch of some tall tree. The waters are dancing in the pale sunshine, and every thing looks as if regeneration had commenced its work.