And the good shade where it accepts, After long journeyings, Our steps, Pours on the weary limb A force of life and sweetness like Its mosses dim. When the lake is playing with the wind and sun. It seems a crimson heart Within, all ardent, has begun To throb with the moving wave; The gladiolus and the fervent rose, Which in their splendor move unshadowèd, Upon their vital stems expose Their cups of gold and red. Within the garden there is healthfulness. EMILE VERHAEREN IN A GARDEN I stood within a Garden during rain Uncovering to the drops my lifted brow: O joyous fancy, to imagine now I slip, with trees and clouds, the social chain, Alone with nature, naught to lose or gain Nor even to become; no, just to be A moment's personal essence, wholly free From needs that mold the heart to forms of pain. Arise, I cried, and celebrate the hour! Acclaim serener gladness; if it fail, New courage, nobler vision, will survive That I have known my kinship to the flower, My brotherhood with rain, and in this vale Have been a moment's friend to all alive. HORACE HOLLEY A SHOWER You may have seen, when winds were high, That hesitant buds would not unfold In garden-borders chill and dry, Bright with the Easter-lilies' gold. Then, suddenly, would come a shower-- The big breeze veering to the west-- And happier music filled the bower Above the thrush's hidden nest: The elm-tree's inconspicuous bloom Vanished amidst her little leaves; In box and bay a fragrant gloom Inspired the wren's recitatives: The woods assumed their delicate green And spoke in songs that brought you bliss: Ay, and your withered heart has been Quickened on such a day as this! ROWLAND THIRLMERE THE RAIN I hear leaves drinking Rain; I hear rich leaves on top Giving the poor beneath Drop after drop; 'Tis a sweet noise to hear These green leaves drinking near. And when the Sun comes out, After this Rain shall stop, A wondrous Light will fill Each dark, round drop; I hope the Sun shines bright; 'Twill be a lovely sight. WILLIAM H. DAVIES THE DEWS