Anna Seward

Sonnet XXXV

Spring.

In April's gilded morn when south winds blow,

And gently shake the hawthorn's silver crown,

Wafting its scent the forest-glade adown,

The dewy shelter of the bounding Doe,

Then, under trees, soft tufts of primrose show

Their palely-yellowing flowers;—to the moist Sun

Blue harebells peep, while cowslips stand unblown,

Plighted to riper May;—and lavish flow

The Lark's loud carols in the wilds of air.

O! not to Nature's glad Enthusiast cling

Avarice, and pride.—Thro' her now blooming sphere

Charm'd as he roves, his thoughts enraptur'd spring

To Him, who gives frail Man's appointed time

These cheering hours of promise, and of prime.