| notes = Source unknown, also published in ''Mount Alexander Mail'', August 14, 1874, p.2
| notes = Source unknown, also published in ''[http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197106435/21598583# Mount Alexander Mail]'', August 14, 1874, p.2
The earth is in a melting mood, This morning of the year ;
And clasped around by mists that brood,
She smiles to find herself so wooed, With, now and then, a tear.
The topmost fastness of the hill Has let the winter go ;
The happy-hearted little rill
No longer shivers past the mill To meadows hushed with snow.
The birds let fall their new-born dreams Upon me from above ;
And many a meadow wed with beams,
And many a wind-kissed blossom seems To say a word for love.
What is there in this tender air To thrill me like a dart ?
It quickens places poor and bare,
And every covet sweet and fair, Except one maiden’s heart.
O, are such changeful gleams of light Made only to beguile ?
Then, I am but a foolish wight,
To be so glad because, last night, She blessed me with a smile.
But O, when ice and snow relent, And every coldest thing ;
Might not, perchance, one more repent,
And melting into warm consent, Flood all my heart with Spring?
