Synopsis

PRELUDE: ON BEACHY HEAD Town-dwellers think that Spring begins in May; We of the country know a certain day In February, when the shy young year Dreams her first dream of love. The skies appear Not cloudless with the steely gleam of frost, But tender, by soft-footed armies crossed. Vaunt-couriers of Queen Spring. The sleeping earth Re the green things that wait for birth In her wide bosom ; and the thrushes stir To rouse the laggard morning earlier. On such a day, on such a happy day, A sevenfold party went on holiday Along the broad Downs looking o'er the sea From Bourne to Beauchef and the Charles' three,