THE BEAUTIES OP APRIL AND MAY. 173 



sense, but cheers the very soul ; and, instead of clogging, 

 elates its powers. 



41 The soft green grass is growing 



O'er meadow and o'er dale ; 

 The silvery founts are flowing 



Upon the verdant vale ; 

 The pale Snow-drop is springing 



To greet the glowingSun ; 

 The Primrose sweet is flinging 



Perfume the fields along ; 

 The trees are in their blossom, 



The birds are in their song ; 

 As Spring upon the bosom 



Of Nature's borne along." 



"So the dawn of human life 

 Doth green and verdant spring: 

 It doth little ween the strife- 

 Like the Snow-drop it is fair, 



And liko the Primrose sweet, 

 But its innocence can't scare 

 The blight from its retreat." 



Our subject is so enchanting, that we had inadvertently 

 wandered from the path we first entered. We now retrace 

 our steps, and take a glance at surrounding objects. The 

 fields look green with the springing grass. See the Daffodil 

 how it spreads itself to the wind 1 The leaves of Honey- 

 suckles begin to expand, and Lilacs, or Syringas, of various 

 hues, unfold their buds. The Almond exhibits its rosy 

 clusters, and the Corchorus its golden balls. Many of the 

 lowlier plants exhibit their yellow and purple colours, and 

 the buds of Lilies, and other Perennial plants, prepare 

 to show themselves. If we turn our attention to the orchard, 

 we behold the Apricots, Nectarines, and Peaches, lead the 

 way in blossoming, which are followed by the Cherry and 

 the Plum. These form a most agreeable spectacle, as well 

 on account of their beauty as of the promise they give of 

 future benefits. It is, however, an anxious time for the 

 possessor, as the fairest prospect of a plentiful increase 

 is often blighted. Shakspeare draws a pathetic comparison 



15" 



