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hymn to nature.
187
HYMN TO NATURE.
Hail, glorious Nature! in thy formWhat grace and glory lie,The weary spirit to entrance,And charm the wondering eye!How dear, when summer friends grow cold,And disappoint our trust,To hold sweet fellowship with thee,The tender and the just!
The trusting soul to thee may turn,Nor doubt thy radiant smile:There beats no heart, beneath its light,Of malice or of guile.Gentle as ever loving child,And faithful as thy God,Thy love makes glad the lowliest oneThat treads thy verdant sod.
Thou with the stamp of fadeless youthUpon thy loveliness,Wearest thy green and glorious robe,Even as a festal dress.Time, that beneath his ruthless swayThe stateliest form will bow,Leaves not the shadow of a changeUpon thy queenly brow.
Thou bright and blessed! make us eachThy gracious influence feel,