Where the birchen-banks mark the stream’s devious ramble,
And the ear drinks its musical murmurs beneath.
How soothing the sense of serenity stealing
O’er the mind, whilst on plenty and peace thus we gaze!
Less grateful, perhaps, though more lively, the feeling
Awaken’d by prospects that awe and amaze.
If in those we acknowledge the symbols of greatness;
If earth’s pillars its Maker’s omnipotence prove;
In these let us hail Him, “whose clouds distil fatness,”
And who crowneth the year with his goodness and love.