Happy Birthday Bryant!

Softly breathes the west-wind beside the ruddy forest,

Taking leaf by leaf from the branches where he flies.

Sweetly streams the sunshine, this third day of November,

Through the golden haze of the quiet autumn skies.

Today, November 3rd, marks the 226th anniversary of William Cullen Bryant's birthday. In his 67th year, Bryant wrote The Third of November, 1861, a bucolic celebration of the beauty of the changing seasons. With nature as his muse, Bryant describes a world that can still be glimpsed today in Roslyn and surrounding areas. Visitors to his home, Cedarmere, will find the imagery especially familiar.

Read the poem in its entirety below: