Supposed to have been written in the New Forest, <br />in early Spring. <br />AS in the woods, where leathery Lichen weaves <br />Its wint'ry web among the sallow leaves, <br />Which (through cold months in whirling eddies blown) <br />Decay beneath the branches once their own, <br />From the brown shelter of their foliage sear, <br />Spring the young blooms that lead the floral year: <br />When, waked by vernal suns, the Pilewort dares <br />Expand her spotted leaves, and shining stars <br />And (veins empurpling all her tassels pale) <br />Bends the soft Wind-flower in the tepid gale; <br />Uncultured bells of azure Jacynth's blow, <br />And the breeze-scenting Violet lurks below: <br />So views the wanderer, with delighted eyes, <br />Reviving hopes from black despondence rise, <br />When, blighted by adversity's chill breath, <br />Those hopes had felt a temporary death; <br /> <br />Then with gay heart he looks to future hours, <br />When love shall dress for him the summer bowers. <br />And, as delicious dreams enchant his mind, <br />Forgets his sorrows past, or gives them to the wind.<br /><br />Charlotte Smith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/verses-ii/
