A Spring Idyl

"A Spring Idyl" by Charles Battell Loomis is a charming pastoral narrative that celebrates the beauty and renewal of springtime. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, Loomis captures the essence of nature awakening, exploring themes of love, simplicity, and the joys of rural life. The story invites readers to immerse themselves in the vibrant landscapes and the emotional resonance of the season, reflecting on the connections between humanity and the natural world. It's an enchanting tale that evokes a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for life's fleeting moments.

• Short story

								
It was a bright morning in early spring--one of the delightful,
languorous days that take the sap out of one and make the life of
the tramp seem blissful. The maples were just putting forth their
delicate crimson leaves, and a warm south wind bore into the city the
smell of fresh earth. Ah, what longings were stirred up in the breast
of Key, Pattit & Company’s office-boy, country-bred, but pent up in
the city for a twelvemonth past! Oh, for one day in the country! He
would follow the winding trout-stream from its source in Perkins’s
meadow until it emptied into the Naugatuck, and with angleworms dug
from the famous spot north of the barn he would lure the coy trout
from their shaded lurking-places.

Hark! what was that? The “drowsy tinkling” of a cow-bell--of
cow-bells. What sweet music! It drove him wild with longing, as
louder and ever louder, and nearer and yet nearer, came the sound of
bells. Ah, he could see Jerry, the hired man, driving the cows up the
grassy lane. As usual, Betty, the Jersey, was in the lead. And there
was greedy Daisy, lingering to crop the rich grass that grew along
the lane until Jerry’s “Whe-e-y, whe-e-y!” should bid her hurry on.
And there were the twin heifers, Nanny and Fanny, perfectly matched
Holsteins. And in the rear, plodding on with dignity and fatness, was
Diana, the great Devon.

How the bells jangled! Surely it was not seeming, but actuality. They
were right outside on the street.

Impulsively he ran to the office window and looked down with boyish
anticipation.

“Jingle-jangle!” went the bells. “Rha-ags, rha-ags, any ol’ rha-ags!”
shouted the ragman.
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