This first optimistic poem is from a larger work by Browning, “Pippa Passes,” which describes the effect of a pure, high-spirited young girl on the darker world through which she wanders, untouched by its miseries. “Among the Rocks,” which follows the first poem, portrays the earth in autumn as a smiling old man, well worth our love.

THE YEAR’S AT THE SPRING

Robert Browning

(1812–1889)

The year’s at the spring,

And day’s at the morn;

Morning’s at seven;

The hill-side’s dew-pearled;

The lark’s on the wing;

The snail’s on the thorn;

God’s in his Heaven—

All’s right with the world!