I thank Thee for these gifts, the precious links

Whereby my spirit unto Thee is drawn!

I thank Thee that the loveliness of earth

Higher than earth can raise me! Are not these

But germs of things unperishing, that bloom

Beside th’ immortal streams? Shall I not find

The lily of the field, the Saviour’s flower,

In the serene and never-moaning air,

And the clear starry light of angel eyes,

A thousand-fold more glorious? Richer far