BUTTERCUPS AND FERNS. 



For here is reed and rush and grass, 



And tiptoe in the dusk and dew, 

 Each sod of the brown earth aspires 



To meet the sun — the sun and you. 



Then come, O fresh spring airs, once more 



Create the old delightful things, 

 A.nd woo the frozen world again, 



With hints of heaven upon your wings ! 



Harriet Prescott Spofford. 



