120 THE MARCH OF THE SEASONS 



The golden-chaliced crocus burns, 

 The long narcissus-blades appear ; 



The cone-beaked hyacinth returns, 



And lights her blue-flamed chandelier. 



The willow's whistling lashes, wrung 

 By the wild winds of gusty March, 



With sallow leaflets lightly strung 

 Are swaying by the tufted larch. 



The elms have robed their slender spray 

 With full-blown flower and embryo leaf; 



Wide o'er the clasping arch of day 

 Soars like a cloud their hoary chief. 



See the proud tulip's flaunting cup, 

 That flames in glory for an hour, 



Behold it withering, then look up, 



How meek the forest monarch's flower ! 



When wake the violets, Winter dies ; 



When sprout the elm-buds, Spring is near ; 

 When lilacs blossom, Summer cries, 



" Bud, little roses ! Spring is here ! " 



The windows blush with fresh bouquets, 

 Cut with the May-dew on their lips ; 



The radish all its bloom displays, 

 Pink as Aurora's finger-tips. 



