Iii

In ways of beauty and peace Fair desire, companion of man, Leadeth the children of earth.

As when the storm doth cease, The loving sun the clouds dispelleth, And woodland walks are sweet in spring; The birds they merrily sing And every flower-bud swelleth. Or where the heav'ns o'erspan The lonely downs When summer is high: Below their breezy crowns And grassy steep Spreadeth the infinite smile of the sunlit sea; Whereon the white ships swim, And steal to havens far Across the horizon dim, Or lie becalm'd upon the windless deep, Like thoughts of beauty and peace, When the storm doth cease, And fair desire, companion of man, Leadeth the children of earth.