32.
Spring.
1 BLEAK winter is subdued at length,
And forced to yield the day ;
The sun has wasted all his strength,
And driven him away.
2 And now long-wish d-f or spring is come,
How alter d is the scene !
The trees and shrubs are dress d in bloom.
The earth array d in green.
3 Where er we tread, beneath our feet
The clust ring flowers spring ;
The artless birds in concerts sweet,
Invite our hearts to sing.
4 But ah! in vain I strive to join,
Oppress d with sin and doubt;
I feel tis winter still within,
Though all is spring without.
5 Oh! would my Saviour from on high
Break through these clouds and shine !
No creature then more bless d than I,
No song more loud than mine.
6 Till then no softly warbling thrush,
Nor cowslip s sweet perfume,
Nor beauties of each painted bush,
Can dissipate my gloom.
7 To Adam, soon as he transgress d,
Thus Eden bloom d in vain :
Not Paradise could give him rest,
Or sooth his heart-felt pain.
8 Yet here an emblem I perceive
Of what the Lord can do :
Dear Saviour, help me to believe,
That I may nourish too.
