William Cullen Bryant

All-Gracious! grant, to those that bear A mother's charge, the strength and light To lead the steps that own their care In ways of Love, and Truth, and Right.

— William Cullen Bryant

The country ever has a lagging Spring, Waiting for May to call its violets forth, And June its roses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Within the city's bound the time of flowers Comes earlier. Let a mild and sunny day, Such as full often, for a few bright hours, Breathes through the sky of March the airs of May, Shine on our roofs and chase the wintry gloom--And lo! our borders glow with sudden bloom.

— William Cullen Bryant