Come, thou south wind, and breathe upon my garden." 



SONG OF SOLOMON. 



MARCH 



NUOVA ! New Life ! It is Spring's first day by 

 the almanac. We are standing on the very verge of 

 Spring, and the world rings with the good news that the lovely 

 season is approaching. In meadow-land the first daisies are 

 out ; the first buds are breaking and unfolding on the trees, 

 glistening in the light. In the sunshine one notices the land 

 growing greener day by day. 



" Before the daisy grows a common flower, 



Before the sun has power 

 To scorch the world up in his noontide hour," 



is the time when the unfolding beauties of Spring lay open 

 their treasures, that the chief delights of the new life of 

 Spring is felt. 



Also it is when the evening shadows gather and we hear 

 the birds' many songs in the twilight trees, we may know the 

 time of year. The birds upon the tree, the lark in the sky 

 sings the good news, the soft wind whispers the sweet message, 

 the sunbeams write it on the lands Vita Nuova ! New Life ! 



" I wonder if the sap is stirring yet, 

 If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate, 

 If frozen snowdrops feel as yet the sun, 

 And crocus fires are kindling one by one . . . 

 I wonder if the Springtide of this year 

 Will bring another Spring both lost and dear ; 

 If heart and spirit will find out their Spring, 

 Or if the world alone will bud and sing . . . 

 The sap will surely quicken soon or late, 

 The tardiest bird will twitter to a mate." 



CHRISTINA ROSSETTI. 



56 



