THE RETURN OF SPRING 127 



And look at the broad-faced sun, how he smiles 

 On the dewy earth that smiles in his ray 



On the leaping waters and gay young isles; 

 Ay, look, and he'll smile thy gloom away. 



THE RETURN OF SPRING 



BY BAYARD TAYLOR 



A SPIRIT of beauty walks the hills, 



A spirit of love the plain; 

 The shadows are bright, and the sunshine fills 



The air with a diamond rain! 



Before my vision the glories swim, 



To the dance of a tune unheard: 

 Is an angel singing where woods are dim, 



Or is it an amorous bird ? 



Is it a spike of azure flowers, 



Deep in the meadows seen, 

 Or is it the peacock's neck that towers 



Out of the spangled green? 



Is a white dove glancing across the blue, 



Or an opal taking wing? 

 For my soul is dazzled through and through, 



With the splendor of the Spring. 



