The sharp clear sky, and stiff'ning clod foreshew
Another stinging night: dear stream adieu!
Ere long our sporting visit we'll renew.

CANTO X.

CONCLUSION.

THOUGH rude itself, March does its welcome bring, We gladly hail the harbinger of Spring.

Though chill north winds confine us within doors,
And buried deep in snow lie fields, heaths, moors,
Yet after winter's dearth, we hope to see

All nature from her ice-bound chains set free.
Imagination paints Spring's cheering reign,

Though oft delay'd by frost, snow, sleet and rain,