Summer

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Summer

Summer, sweet Summer, many-fingered Summer!

We hold thee very dear, as well we may:

It is the kernel of the year to-day⁠—

All hail to thee! thou art a welcome comer!

If every insect were a fairy drummer,

And I a fifer that could deftly play,

We’d give the old Earth such a roundelay

That she would cast all thought of labour from her.⁠—

Ah! what is this upon my window-pane?

Some sulky, drooping cloud comes pouting up,

Stamping its glittering feet along the plain!⁠—

Well, I will let that idle fancy drop!

Oh, how the spouts are bubbling with the rain!

And all the earth shines like a silver cup!