Classic Poem

Maudit Printemps.

I, from my casement, at her own
Saw her, all through the wintry weather;
Lovers, though each to each unknown,
Our kisses crossed in air together.
Whole days we passed in peeping through
These lime-trees, then from foliage clear:
Alas! their shade thou dost renew —
Vile Spring! why wilt thou re-appear?

Yes, in their shade so densely growing,
That angel-vision now is lost!
Ay, there it stood before me, throwing
Crumbs to the birds when all was frost
For her they chirped; Love learned to know
What time the little birds drew near:
Nay, nothing's half so fair as snow; —
Vile Spring! why wilt thou re-appear?

Without thee, I might still adore her,
When from repose she breaks away,
Fresh as the painters paint Aurora
Opening the curtains of the Day.
Without thee, might I say at night,
" My star hath finished its career;
She sleeps; her lamp hath veiled its light. "
Vile Spring! why wilt thou re-appear?

For Winter yearns my heart: again,
Ah! would I heard the tinkling sounds
Of sleet upon the window pane —
Light sleet, that tinkles and rebounds.
Thy boasted charms — can these to me —
Flower, zephyr, lengthened day — be dear?
Her smile no longer can I see:
Vile Spring! why wilt thou re-appear!