80
ODES.
By the next-returning spring,
When again the linnets sing,
When again the lambkins play,
Pretty sportlings full of May, 20
When the meadows next are seen,
Sweet enamel! white and green,
And the year, in fresh attire,
Welcomes every gay desire, 24
Blooming on shalt thou appear
More inviting than the year,
Fairer sight than orchard shows,
Which beside a river blows: 28
Yet, another spring I see,
And a brighter bloom in thee:
And another round of time,
Circling, still improves thy prime: 32
And, beneath the vernal skies,
Yet a verdure more shall rise,
'E're thy beauties, kindling slow,
In each finish'd feature glow, 36
'E're, in smiles and in disdain,
Thou exert thy maiden reign,
Absolute to save, or kill,
Fond beholders, at thy will. 40
When again the linnets sing,
When again the lambkins play,
Pretty sportlings full of May, 20
When the meadows next are seen,
Sweet enamel! white and green,
And the year, in fresh attire,
Welcomes every gay desire, 24
Blooming on shalt thou appear
More inviting than the year,
Fairer sight than orchard shows,
Which beside a river blows: 28
Yet, another spring I see,
And a brighter bloom in thee:
And another round of time,
Circling, still improves thy prime: 32
And, beneath the vernal skies,
Yet a verdure more shall rise,
'E're thy beauties, kindling slow,
In each finish'd feature glow, 36
'E're, in smiles and in disdain,
Thou exert thy maiden reign,
Absolute to save, or kill,
Fond beholders, at thy will. 40
Then
