The first day of spring was once the time for taking the young virgins into the fields, there in dalliance to set an example in fertility for nature to follow. Now we just set the clocks an hour ahead and change the oil in the crankcase. – E.B. White, “Hot Weather,” One Man’s Meat, 1944
In Spring, everything is full of promise…. The child sporting upon the lawn, and the season, sympathize together, and nature rejoices in her virgin loveliness. – Charles Lanman, “The Dying Year,” 1840
Spring is beautiful, and smells sweet. Spring is when you shake the curtains, and pound on the rugs, and take off your long underwear, and wash in all the corners. – Virginia Cary Hudson, “Spring,” O Ye Jigs & Juleps!, 1962