Nature and Art, Jane 1, 18>'»G.] 
A GARDEN IN MAY. 
17 
VIII. 
Then lifted they their tawny thighs, and lightly did they speed 
To an apple-tree, that proffer’d them her dainty cups of mead ; 
And soon in every chalice a busy bee there lurk d ; 
Like kobolds in their mining-pits, right eagerly they work’d, 
IX. 
And humm’d for joy ; around them stirr’d a quivering breath 
of Spring, 
And dreamy sweets and melodies were mingled on the wing. 
How proud that Orchard Beauty seem’d her milk-white blooms 
to spread ! 
While tenderly the white was tinged with veins of rosy red ! 
x. 
I never think the .apple-tree is such a comely one, — 
Not even when the cherry-cheeks are laughing in the sun, — ■ 
As when she flings the trappings of her winter dress aside, 
And stands in Nature’s chapel a blushing, blooming bride. 
XI. 
In autumn she’s a mother,— she smiles upon tho boy ; 
In May-time she’s a maiden,— her bosom heaves for joy ; 
Then, mother-like, she 11 woo the child to taste the juicy tieasurc, 
But now she touches heart and soul with finer thrills of pleasure. 
And so I spent my May-day, when all was young and fair, 
The fragrant breath of Eden seem’d to dance upon the air. 
Oh, darling little Garden ! thou hast faded quite away ; 
my art thou not as thou hast been ? Why is’t not always 
May ? 
Translated from the Danish of P. L. Moller, 
By H. Ward. 
