144
Dear Lord! thy shadow is forth spread
On all mine eye can see;
And filled at the pure fountain-head
Of deepest piety,
My heart loves all created things,
And travels home to Thee.
Around me while the sunshine flings
A flood of mocky gold,
Aly chastened spirit once more sings
As it was wont of old,
That lay of gratitude which burst
From young heart uncontrolled,
When, in the midst of nature nursed,
Sweet influences fell
On childly hearts that were athirst,
Like soft dews in the bell
Of tender flowers that bowed their heads,
And breathed a fresher smell.
So, even now this hour hath sped
In rapturous thought o'er me,
Feeling myself with nature wed—
A holy mystery—
A part of earth, a part of heaven,
A part, great God! of Thee.
