TRAILING ARBUTUS. 



SINCE the winds of March gave outlet to the tidings 



they should bear, 



Since the breath of inspiration swept upon the listen 

 ing air, 



Weeks have brought but varying chances, 

 Soft restraints and shy advances, 

 Warm desire, impetuous longing, met with tenderest 



delay ; 



Ours the restless hope and yearning, 

 Theirs the slow but sure returning, 

 Song and sunshine, bloom and brightness, growing 

 nearer day by day. 



We have known the wrath of Winter, in his moun 

 tain fastness strong, 



Driving storms have raged against us, baffled and 

 besieged us long; 

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