Today is the feast of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, "Lady Day". In England it was once the spring quarter-day, when contracts would begin and servants took new jobs, and until 1752 it was also the start of the New Year. A day for new beginnings, new life of many kinds.
Hark! she is called, the parting hour is come.
Take thy farewell, poor world! heav’n must go home.
A piece of heav’nly earth;
Purer and brighter
Than the chaste stars, whose choice lamps come to light her
While through the crystal orbs, clearer than they,
She climbs; and makes a far more milky way.
She’s called. Hark, how the dear immortal dove
Sighs to his silver mate, “Rise up, my love!
Rise up, my fair, my spotless one!
The winter’s past, the rain is gone.
The spring is come, the flowers appear
No sweets, but thou, are wanting here.
Come away, my love!
Come away, my dove!
Cast off delay.
The court of heav’n is come
To wait upon thee home;
Come, come away!