Poems (Hale)/Hymn to Nature
HYMN TO NATURE.
Hail, glorious Nature! in thy form What 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 one That treads thy verdant sod.
Thou with the stamp of fadeless youth Upon thy loveliness,Wearest thy green and glorious robe, Even as a festal dress.Time, that beneath his ruthless sway The stateliest form will bow,Leaves not the shadow of a change Upon thy queenly brow.
Thou bright and blessed! make us each Thy gracious influence feel, And to our spirits' inmost depths Thy Source and Soul reveal.Teach us the signet of His hand On thy pure page to trace:So may our trusting souls secure The treasures of His grace.