A Hymn to the Spring

FAIREST Child of flowing time,
Earths refreshment, Heav'ns delight,
Beauties honor, Natures prime
Joy of our Soul, and glory of our sight !
O bridle in the posting hours ;
Thy too precipitated course restrain.
Cast out thy blossoms, spread thy flow'rs.
Augment our pleasure, and prolong thy reign.
For t'were impiety to wish Thee gone,
Tho Summer next and all her fruits come on.

All, thy absent Deity
With repeated Pray'rs implore ;
All rejoice, thy Presence nigh.
Behold thy Miracles, and bless thy Pow'r.
The Farmer from thy looks receives
The blooming promise of a fruitful Year :
The Lover from thy bounty weaves
An early Honor for his Mistress' hair :
The sullen Warrior smiles, to see thee spread
The future Pride of his ennobled head.

Senseless as the Year we lye,
'Till kind spring's enlivening fires
Wakens our activity,
Improves our Joys, and heightens our desires.
For thee ev'n Venus we'l despise
Thou brighter Queen of Harmony and Love !
And Thee too born above the skies
Without a fictious Metaphor we'l prove :
For what is Heav'n but bright recesses, where
A constant Spring inriches all the Year ?