The poem
LIGHT and silv'ry cloudlets hover
In the air, as yet scarce warm; Mild, with glimmer soft tinged over,
Peeps the sun through fragrant balm. Gently rolls and heaves the ocean
As its waves the bank o'erflow. And with ever restless motion
Moves the verdure to and fro,
Mirror'd brightly far below.
What is now the foliage moving?
Air is still, and hush'd the breeze, Sultriness, this fullness loving,
Through the thicket, from the trees. Now the eye at once gleams brightly,
See! the infant band with mirth Moves and dances nimbly, lightly,
As the morning gave it birth,
Flutt'ring two and two o'er earth.
* * * *
1816.