Final answer:
The poem is set in spring, and the speaker tells a joke about a young tree. The speaker and his companion have different perspectives on the season and weather.
Step-by-step explanation:
The season in the poem is spring. We know this because the speaker mentions March and describes the white luxuriance of May. These are both associated with the spring season.
The joke the speaker tells his companion is about the young beech tree clinging to its last year's leaves. This is a joke because it is unexpected and humorous to compare the tree's behavior to a person clinging to their old beliefs or habits.
The two men in the poem feel differently about the present season and weather. The speaker appreciates the beauty and potential of the present season, as shown by their description of the blooming flowers. The companion, on the other hand, is hesitant and skeptical, as indicated by their hesitation and readiness to believe the most.
Learn more about Seasons and weather