Alexander] A NEW SPRING SONG 211 



Sing a song of Marigolds 



Bright as burnished metal, 

 Treasure that some fairy folds 



In each shining petal; 

 In the marsh, when winds are harsh 



And fitful rains are sweeping, 

 They bloom apace, with laughing face 



While violets are sleeping! 



Sing a song of Mayflowers 



In the month of sweetness, 

 Blooming ere the gay flowers 



Mark the years completeness; 

 Then up! and seek, in woodland bleak 



Their half-celestial cluster, 

 That might endow, fair Flora's brow 



With wreath of matchless luster. 



Sing a song of bluebird 



Herald of the play-time, 

 When the world anew-stirred 



Revels in the May-time; 

 Then to be out, and roam about 



The world's wide fairy palace, 

 For mead and elm is wonder-realm 



Full strange as that of Alice! 



Sing a song of buttercup, 



Waving grass and <i 

 Gorgeous wings that flutter up 



Leisurely, and lazy ; 

 Magic dye of butterfly, 



Song of bee and cricket. 

 With sweet idyll, of birds that trill 



And nest in every thicket. 



Sing a song of th' human heart 



Waiting for the healing, 

 When the sluggish pulse will start 



Anew, with Springtime stealing 

 In with balm and morning calm 



O'er all the sunless places, 

 And rapture thrilled, the world is filled 



With joy and sunny faces' 



