The Lure of Spring

As I walked out one brave spring morn,
   When earth was young and new,
I met a laughing mountain maid
   As fresh as mountain dew.
Oh, blow you breezes; shine, you sun!
For this the world was well begun.
   And spring's soft promise, lifted high,
   Shone wattle gold against blue sky. 

As I walked with her that spring morn
   I sought her brave young eyes,
And to earth's olden mysteries
   I straightway read replies.
Oh, yearn you, gum-tips to the sun!
For this the world was well begun.
   And mysteries thronged about us now
   As green buds swelled upon the bough.

I have walked out on many a Spring
   Since that long-vanished day;
But aught of that ill-treasured lore
   Recapture no man may.
Yet, laugh you, young grass to the sun!
For that the world was well begun.
   And every bird-song gladly sung
   Still whispers secrets to earth's young.

As I walk out this brave spring morn,
   And man and maid I see
By some green way, I thank kind life
   That gave one Spring to me.
Oh, blow you breezes; shine you sun!
For this the world was well begun:
   That spring holds for young lovers yet
   Deeps secret that the old forget.