HYMN.
I praised the earth, in beauty seen,
With garlands gay of various green;
I praised the sea, whose ample field
Shone glorious as a silver shield,
And earth and ocean seemed to say,
"Our beauties are but for a day."
I praised the sun, whose chariot roll'd
On wheels of amber and of gold;
I praised the moon, whose softer eye
Gleamed sweetly through the summer sky;
And moon and sun in answer said,
"Our days of light are numbered."
Oh God, oh good beyond compare!
If thus thy meaner works are fair!
If thus thy bounties gild the span
Of ruined earth, and sinful man;
How glorious must the mansion be
Where thy redeem'd shall dwell with thee!