28 PUSSY WILLOW AND CATKINS. 



Spring-time and May-time, — revive in my heart 



All the springs of my youth, with their sweetness and 

 splendor : 

 O years that so softly take wing and depart ! 



perfume ! O memories pensive and tender ! 



As lightly I glide between island and shore, 



1 seem like an exile, a wandering spirit. 

 Returned to the land where 'tis May evermore, 



A moment revisiting, hovering near it. 



Stray scents from afar, breathing faintly around. 

 Are something I've known in another existence ; 



As I pause, as I listen, each image, each sound. 

 Is softened by glamour, or mellowed by distance. 



From the hill-side, no longer discordant or harsh, 

 Comes the cry of the peacock, the jubilant cackle ; 



And sweetly, how sweetly, by meadow and marsh. 

 Sounds the musical jargon of blue jay and grackle I 



O Earth ! till I find more of heaven than this, 



I will cling to your bosom with perfect contentment, 



O water ! O light ! sky-enfolded abyss ! 



I yield to the spell of your wondrous enchantment. 



