AN INVITATION TO THE COUNTRY

Already, close by our summer dwelling,

The Easter sparrow repeats her song;

A merry warbler, she chides the blossoms-

The idle blossoms that sleep so long.

The bluebird chants, from the elm’s long branches,

A hymn to welcome the budding year.

The south wind wanders from field to forest,

And softly whispers, "The Spring is here."

Come, daughter mine, from the gloomy city,

Before those lays from the elm have ceased;

The violet breathes, by our door, as sweetly

As in the air of her native East.

Though many a flower in the wood is waking,

The daffodil is our doorside queen;

She pushes upward the sward already,

To spot with sunshine the early green.

No lays so joyous as these are warbled

From wiry prison in maiden’s bower;

No pampered bloom of the green-house chamber

Has half the charm of the lawn’s first flower.

Yet these sweet sounds of the early season,

And these fair sights of its sunny days,

Are only sweet when we fondly listen,

And only fair when we fondly gaze.

There is no glory in star or blossom

Till looked upon by a loving eye;

There is no fragrance in April breezes

Till breathed with joy as they wander by.

Come, Julia dear, for the sprouting willows,

The opening flowers, and the gleaming brooks,

And hollows, green in the sun, are waiting

Their dower of beauty from thy glad looks.