A POEM.
61
Green shoots the fir his spiry point on high;
And fluttering leaves on trembling aspens sigh:
With haughtier air, see the strong oak ascend, 570
Too proud before an angry heaven to bend:
His leaves unshaken, winter's rage defy;
He shades a field, and heaves a wood on high;
Glories in stubborn strength, when tempests roar,
And scorns to yield, save to the thunder's power.
But May with softer charms the shrub adorns;
She spreads her snowy mantle o'er the thorns;
Decks the rough furze with flaming orange bloom,
And loads with vegetable gold the broom;
Pure nature's beauteous work. But culture joins, 580
Where yon bright glow from neighbouring orchards shines.
Their snowy pride the plumb-trees first display;
Then shakes the pear's tall head with silver gray;
The apple bids her painted blossoms rise;
Each gem soft-swelling, with the ruby vies;
With thin expanded petals smiles around,
While trees appear with damask roses crowned.
With various notes, sweet, solemn, loud, and deep,
The tuneful thrush awakes the band from sleep:
The blackbird whistles in a merrier note; 590
Sweet sings the goldfinch in her gawdy coat;
And fluttering leaves on trembling aspens sigh:
With haughtier air, see the strong oak ascend, 570
Too proud before an angry heaven to bend:
His leaves unshaken, winter's rage defy;
He shades a field, and heaves a wood on high;
Glories in stubborn strength, when tempests roar,
And scorns to yield, save to the thunder's power.
But May with softer charms the shrub adorns;
She spreads her snowy mantle o'er the thorns;
Decks the rough furze with flaming orange bloom,
And loads with vegetable gold the broom;
Pure nature's beauteous work. But culture joins, 580
Where yon bright glow from neighbouring orchards shines.
Their snowy pride the plumb-trees first display;
Then shakes the pear's tall head with silver gray;
The apple bids her painted blossoms rise;
Each gem soft-swelling, with the ruby vies;
With thin expanded petals smiles around,
While trees appear with damask roses crowned.
With various notes, sweet, solemn, loud, and deep,
The tuneful thrush awakes the band from sleep:
The blackbird whistles in a merrier note; 590
Sweet sings the goldfinch in her gawdy coat;
