MENSIS LACRIMARUM

By William Watson

March, that comes roaring, maned, with rampant paws,

And bleatingly withdraws;

March,—‘ tis the year's fantastic nondescript,

That, born when frost hath nipped

The shivering fields, or tempest scarred the hills,

Dies crowned with daffodils.

The month of the renewal of the earth

By mingled death and birth:

But, England! in this latest of thy years

Call it — the Month of Tears.