The First Robin

Robin, tell it far and wide On many a leafless spray, Last night the sullen Winter died, And Spring was born to-day! Pour forth the gladness of thy breast In music clear and strong. And fill again each empty nest With echoes of thy song. Tell that the prisoned woodland stream Its fetter soon will break; And from its long and frozen dream The violet awake. Tell that the zephyrs soft and warm Will kiss the budding trees, The maple's garnet blossoms swarm Like myriads of bees, By moss-clad walls the columbine Uplift its scarlet bloom, By grassy paths the eglantine Exhale its sweet perfume. O robin, tell it in thy song Of joy, this sunny morn. And bid the hearts that waited long Rejoice, for Spring is born!