FEBRUARY 31 



hues never pal], but breathe a quietude in a land of rest more 

 restful. 



Verdurous Spring comes on apace, and soon its vernal re- 

 vealings will throng the land : bird and flower and blue sky, 

 all the mirth of the season babbled in song by amber-beaked 

 blackbird and silvery-tongued thrush ; all its joy given out 

 in the new green leaf; all its promise in the blue sky made 

 up of laughter and of tears but this is yet a gladness unborn : 

 a joy soon to come. But Spring is journeying fast westward : 



Fast down the vale through hazyland, 

 To make the world a daisy-land, 

 Spring journeys fast from lazy land, 



Her voice is on the breeze. 

 Spring dons a robe all magic-wove, 

 And paints a sky so fair above, 

 Makes every hedge a house of love, 



With nesting melodies. 



Sing out your song, blithe bird on bough, 

 Wherein is told your tender vow 

 To mate, we listen to it now, 



And marvel at your praise. 

 Birds ! fill Spring's hall with sweetest lays ; 

 Ambrosial embroideries, 

 Unfold your leaves, your patterns raise, 



To drape the sylvan ways ! 



