Autumn

In this glad season, when the ripened corn All golden-hued along the landscape gleams, And fruits, as poured from Plenty’s flowing horn, Blush red and purple in the sun’s bright beams. Incense of gratitude it well beseems Frail man to offer with devotion high, From his heart as an altar, whilst there teems Such glad abundance round him, and the sky Glows with a glorious light to prove heaven’s goodness nigh.

Oh, that such goodness we regarded more! And, winged with gratitude, our thoughts aloft Like morning skylarks, would rejoicing soar To pay their glad and cheerful tribute oft. Ah! sweet is grateful love, and calm and soft Its soothing influence upon the mind, Making it purer, as the breezes waft Life to the flowers! Then on thy spirit bind The thought of heaven’s rich love, beneficent and kind!

The hopeful promise of the early spring Is now fulfilled; the summer’s rosy flower Transmuted into fruit; and corn-fields bring The full redundance of their golden store, To glad the heart of man. His labour o’er, Well may he lift a deeply thankful voice, And ere the closing of the year grown hoar, Make hospitality’s free rites his choice— A season of glad cheer when loving hearts rejoice.