290 STUDIES IN THE FIELD AND FOKEST. 



Sheds o'er the rising mist a roseate hue, 



And bathes the cheeks of morn once more in dew ; 



To prisoned zephyrs grants a short reprieve, 



And binds fresh roses o'er the brows of eve : 



Calls up the sweet south wind the wind that bears 



Aerial sweets a fairer clime prepares, 



And sends it forth dispensing stores of balm, 



Culled from the groves that bear the date and palm. 



Then the soft breezes, stored with fresh perfumes, 



Entice the bee to seek the faded blooms. 



Insects awaking from their torpid state, 



As with new life, are joyful and elate. 



The crickets from their little burrows flee, 



And strike their winged harps in all their wonted glee. 



The summer flies once more are gambolling 



Upon the waters, and the meadows ring 



With tiny voices, as they gayly call 



All nature to their joyous festival. 



The sun shines out with dim but powerful blaze, 



Illuming all the wide surrounding haze : 



The rising mist November's breath distils, 



When warmer days have loosed the mountain rills. 



The winds and waves are silent on the shore ; 



The hoarfrost glitters in the fields no more ; 



The squirrel sits again upon her bough ; 



The swain has yoked his oxen to the plough. 



The sparrow sings again his social song, 



And calls out from the woods his feathered throng. 



Whole flocks of birds emerge from sheltered coves, 



To greet the pleasant scenes of former loves. 



The merry village children have come out, 



And in the sunshine make a joyful rout. 



The ducks are more loquacious in the pool, 



Rejoicing in the season's gentler rule. 



