2 The birds that rise on soaring wing

Appear to hymn their Maker’s praise,

And all the mingling sounds of spring

To thee a general paean raise.

3 And shall my voice, great God, alone

Be mute ’midst nature’s loud acclaim?

No; let my heart with answering tone

Breathe forth in praise thy holy name.

4 And nature’s debt is small to mine;

Thou bad’st her being bounded be,