To the Spring
From “Hymnes of Astræa, in Acrosticke Verse”
E ARTH now is green, and heaven is blue,
L ively Spring which makes all new,
I olly Spring, doth enter;
S weet young sun beams do subdue
A ngry, agèd Winter.
B lasts are mild, and seas are calm,
E very meadow flows with balm,
T he Earth wears all her riches;
H armonious birds sing such a psalm,
A s ear and heart bewitches.
R eserve (sweet Spring) this Nymph of ours,
E ternal garlands of thy flowers,
G reen garlands never wasting:
I n her shall last our state’s fair Spring,
N ow and for ever flourishing,
A s long as Heaven is lasting.