O'ER the heath the heifer strays, Free, the furrow'd task is done, Now the village windows blaze, Burnish'd by the setting sun. Trudging as the ploughmen go, To the smoking hamlet bound, Giant-like their shadows grow, Lengthened o'er the level ground. THE slanting ray, From every herb and every spiry blade, In spite of gravity and sage remark COWPER. SPRING. LOOK all around thee! How the Spring advances ! New life is playing through the gay green trees; See how, in yonder bower, the light leaf dances To the bird's tread, and to the quivering breeze! How every blossom in the sunlight glances! The winter frost to his dark cavern flees, And earth, warm-waken'd, feels through every vein The kindly influence of the vernal rain. Now silvery streamlets, from the mountains stealing, Dance joyously the verdant vales along; Cold fear no more the songster's voice is sealing ; Down in the thick dark grove is heard his song; And, all their bright and lovely hues revealing, A thousand plants the field and forest throng; Light comes upon the earth in radiant showers, And mingling rainbows play among the flowers. TIECK. |