Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
Mackenzie Bell b. 1856Springs Immortality
T
From Winter’s joyless dream;
From many a stone the ouzels sing
By yonder mossy stream.
Lingers, as if to meet
The music of the nightingale
Across the rising wheat—
Hath kept forever young,
Unaltered since in studious mood
Calm Milton mused and sung.
Spring’s gladsome mystery
Was sweet to lovers long ago—
Most sweet to such as we—
Bloomed when the south wind came;
While hands of Spring caressed the bowers,
The throstle sang the same.
Unchanged Spring’s answering breath,
Unchanged, though cruel Time was strong,
And stilled our love in death.