On you, the children of my humble care,

And this dear land, our country, while on earth

We sojourn, have I lifted up my soul,

Joy giving voice to fervent gratitude.[887]

These barren rocks, your stern inheritance;

These fertile fields, that recompense your pains;

The shadowy vale, the sunny mountain-top;

Woods waving in the wind their lofty heads,

Or hushed; the roaring waters, and[888] the still—

They see the offering of my lifted hands,