Good-by, old Winter, good-by once more;
At twelve to-night will your reign be o'er.
We're tired of you and your sleet and snow,
We're tired of hearing your chill winds blow;
We long for breezes that fill the air
With the scent of the Spring-time flowers fair;
We long for meadows where daisies white
Lift up their heads in the warm sunlight,
And where the grasses are nodding all day.
With the Spring-time breezes forever at play.
Good-by, old Winter. We're sorry for you,
But we're glad your season is nearly through.
You brought us plenty of fun, we know,
For sleighing and snow-balling come with snow;
But O for a breath of the Spring-time sweet,
When the earth and the sky in beauty meet!
And O for the trees where the birds all day
Are singing the golden hours away!
Good-by, old Winter; the Spring is near,
And you may sleep for another year.
[Illustration: BARNUM'S SHOW IN WINTER-QUARTERS.]