372.
The Seasons.
1
The deafening blasts of Winter now prevail;
Their course, no more, the mountain streamlets hold;
One pall of snow conceals the hill and vale,
And all is dark, and desolate, and cold:
Let not the blasted heath our state portray,
And o'er us winter hold a sovereign sway.
2
Now Spring, in youth and beauty, charms the sight;
The shivering winds have vanish'd like a dream;
Buds, bursting forth, the gazer's heart delight,
And soft and soothing flows the mountain stream;
O, may our hearts its spring-tide sweet enjoy!
Nor nipping frosts our buds of hope destroy!
3
Now Summer, in her gorgeous vest appears;
The circling hours, with flowery wreaths are crown'd;
The warbling wood-notes charm the listener's ears,
And all is luxury of sight and sound;
May the bright sun-shine of the summer day
Emblem, through life, our own resplendent way!
4
And now, in plenitude of wealth and power,
Autumn comes forth, rejoicing earth, to cheer;
Her fruits, around her, she delights to shower,
The vintage time that crowns the future year:
May we that richer harvest keep in sight,
And reap our fruit among the saints in light!
