Man does not willingly submit himself to reverence; or rather, he never so submits himself: it is a higher sense which must be communicated to his nature, which only in some peculiarly favoured individuals unfolds itself spontaneously, who on this account too have of old been looked upon as saints and gods.

Meaning: Small birds sing as nature stirs their instincts, and people too feel a renewed desire to set out on journeys. The difficult words describe springtime energy, not foolish people or bravery.

Meaning: Unpleasant early weather is linked with a pleasing later display of flowers. The sequence can express hope that present conditions help prepare a later benefit.

Meaning: When April's gentle rain reaches the roots, it ends the dryness left by March. This is a picture of spring returning, rather than a command or a moral rule.

Meaning: The saying treats April and May as decisive months for what the rest of the year will yield. Keys picture their conditions as opening or closing later possibilities.