FROM the elm-tree's topmost bough, Hark! the robin's early song! Telling one and all that now Merry springtime hastes along; Welcome tidings dost thou bring, Little harbinger of spring: Robin's come. Of the winter we are weary, Weary of the frost and snow; Longing for the sunshine cheery, And the brooklet's gurgling flow; Gladly then we hear thee sing The joyful reveille of spring: Robin's come. Ring it out o'er hill and plain, Through the garden's lonely bowers, Till the green leaves dance again, Till the air is sweet with flowers! Wake the cowslips by the rill, Wake the yellow daffodil: Robin's come. Then, as thou wert wont of yore, Build thy nest and rear thy young Close beside our cottage door, In the woodbine leaves among; Hurt or harm thou need'st not fear, Nothing rude shall venture near: Robin's come. Singing still in yonder lane, Robin answers merrily; Ravished by the sweet refrain, Alice clasps her hands in glee, Calling from the open door, With her soft voice o'er and o'er, Robin's come. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PHANTOM-LOVER [OR, WOOER] by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES THE NEW ARRIVAL by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE AN ODE TO THE RAIN by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE HOCK-CART, OR HARVEST HOME by ROBERT HERRICK THE LAY OF THE LABOURER by THOMAS HOOD IN THE VALLEY OF THE ELWY by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS |