The Southern Literary Messenger, Volume I., 1834-35 - Various

Saco, Maine.

For the Southern Literary Messenger.

TO SPRING.¹

Not since the world's first blushing Spring
Hath warmer, truer offering
Than mine, by minstrel, muse, or maid,
Been on thy rose-wreathed altar laid.
May-flower, the first in Flora's band,
I've snatch'd from thy half-open'd hand,
And help'd the little Daisy shake
From her bright head the light snow-flake;
I've watch'd thee while thy crayon spread
The first tint on the Violet's head,
And wrapt with pleasure, scan'd the grace
Thy light touch threw o'er Nature's face—
But more I love thee for thy promise bright,
That Man shall spring, revived from Death's cold, wintry night.

ELIZA.

Saco, Maine.

¹ On the warm banks of the James, this Apostrophe to Spring may probably appear altogether too late for the season, but on the banks of the Saco, where a good fire is still necessary to comfort, and the May-flower, the most daring of our wild flowers, is just putting forth its blossom in token of approaching Spring, it is quite early enough.

For the Southern Literary Messenger.

TO SPRING.1

TO SPRING.¹