27 JANUARY 1883, Page 15

A WELCOME.

Kut in the sunny South she lingers, Yet slowly comes along, With fairy garlands in her fingers, With snatches of sweet song.

Her eyes with promises are beaming, Her smiles will rapture bring, The sunlight from her hair is streaming,— Thrice welcome, lovely Spring!

She brings us gifts, the royal maiden, Fair flowers to deck the hills ; With primroses her arms are laden, Bluebells and daffodils.

Pale crocuses have come before her, . Wild birds her welcome sing ;

Ten thousand longing hearts adore her,— The grey world's darling, Spring.

J. M. ErzoN.