The Black Swans 



for the approach of spring. We left 

 them there last fall, these bulbs that 

 were to be our hyacinths, and in their 

 long duress they did not lack for com- 

 pany. Their kin-folk, the tulips and 

 the daffodils, were by their side, the 

 valley lilies, too, and iris; and the slum- 

 bering subterranean capillaries of the 

 lilacs and the oaks. 



Lines on the Planting of the Hyacinths 

 at Dumbiedykes 



Out of the earth thou earnest, 



To earth return. 



Thine the eternal mystery! 



Out of the darkness cometh light and life. 



Sleep sweetly, therefore, happy hyacinth! 



Soon shall the drifting snows 



Seek out thy resting place 



And hold thee in their close embrace. 



And through the dreary midnight hours 



The glittering stars that glisten brightest 



When the Frost King rides triumphant 



Through the northern skies, 



Shall guard thy rest. 



Fear not. 



Within thyself dwells immortality! 



