Autumn In Sussex

A GLORY is this autumn day, That stretches far across the land, To where the sea along the sand Sings kindly, with a gentle lay Upon its lips. The gleam and sway Of burning leaves ignites the air To strange soft fire; serene and bare The wide fields lie on either hand.

More lovely than the timid Spring Who tells her beads of humble flowers, More perfect than the sun-warmed hours Of summer, gay with birds that sing, Is this fulfilment earth doth bring To offer up to God; this deep Vast prayer before the winter sleep, This final tribute to His powers!