Now the Lilac Tree's in Bud

Now the lilac tree's in bud,

And the morning birds are loud.

Now a stirring in the blood

Moves the heart of every crowd.

Word has gone abroad somewhere

Of a great impending change.

There's a message in the air

Of an import glad and strange.

Not an idler in the street,

But is better off to-day.

Not a traveller you meet,

But has something wise to say.

Now there's not a road too long,

Not a day that is not good,

Not a mile but hears a song

Lifted from the misty wood.

Down along the Silvermine

That's the blackbird's cheerful note!

You can see him flash and shine

With the scarlet on his coat.

Now the winds are soft with rain,

And the twilight has a spell,

Who from gladness could refrain

Or with olden sorrows dwell?