 | The Vale of Arden and Other Poems |  |
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MERRY AUTUMN
Golden woodland, sea-blue sky,
Crests of cloud-waves tossed on high;
Crests of cloud-waves tossed on high;
Bouncing breezes, lustrous showers,
Leaves and berries gay as flowers;
Leaves and berries gay as flowers;
Purple storms in rainbow belt,
Morning frosts that flash and melt;
Morning frosts that flash and melt;
Dawns arrayed in gorgeous light,
Dazzled earth in motley dight.
Dazzled earth in motley dight.
Robins flute a cheerful tune,
Orchards glow with apples strewn;
Orchards glow with apples strewn;
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Sunbeams bless the gathered sheaves,
Children chase the skipping leaves;
Children chase the skipping leaves;
Buds grow plump in glossy sheath;—
Who dare call this rapture death?
Who dare call this rapture death?
Autumn's neither sick nor sad;
Spring's begotten; God is glad.
Spring's begotten; God is glad.
| The Vale of Arden and Other Poems | |