Break into flower, O garden fair...

Break into flower, O garden fair!

Long hast thou known the Gardener's care;

The rain and dew from heaven have fallen,

And sunbeams warm on thy bosom bare.

The grains of seed all viewless fell

Within the mellow soil to dwell,—

Silent the fall as that of pebbles

Cast in oblivion's sunless well.

List, music ether-fine up-goes

From swelling seed and life's keen throes!

O Earth, thy riven breast shall blossom

In Heaven's own beauty, e'en as the rose!