So breaks the sun earth's rugged chains, Wherein rude winter bound her veins; So grows both stream and source of price, That lately fettered were with ice. So naked trees get crisped heads, And coloured coats the roughest meads, And all get vigour, youth and spright, That are but looked on by his light.

The dignity of truth is lost With much protesting.

I will eat exceedingly, and prophesy.

Where it concerns himself, Who's angry at a slander makes it true.

There is no sign of leaf or bud, A hush is over everything - Silent as women wait for love, The world is waiting for the spring.

Is life worth living? Yes, so long As Spring revives the year, And hails us with the cuckoo's song, To show that she is here;

Beneath the crisp and wintry carpet hid A million buds but stay their blossoming And trustful birds have built their nests amid The shuddering boughs, and only…