NATURE’S LOVELINESS

Yes, everywhere I go I see the constant flow Of nature’s loveliness— But, oh, if I could see These scenes, my love, with thee, How bright would be their dress! I can no more rejoice Without your gracious voice Exulting in my ear, And nature, too, requires Your soulful, ardent fires, To beautify the year. The tender blooms turn pale When I, alone, through vale And gully, searching pass; They seem to say to me, “Where is your mate? for we Bloom only for your lass.” My worship in the glen Goes up for naught, dear, when I stand alone in prayer; The sea, the dunes, the trees, Chide me, and every breeze Sings lamentation there. No, nothing in this world Where gales and snows have whirled A joyous tempest down— Which spread a carpet fine For thee to tread, can shine As your belovèd crown. They do not envy you, They love the sweet, the true— They know you are sincere As morning’s spark of light In dew orbs shining bright, When heaven is blue and clear. They want your merry laugh, Like rain for them to quaff; They want to kiss your feet; They want to see your eyes— Full glory of blue skies— Your smile they yearn to greet. Come to the woods, my own, With every blessing known To man, which you can bring; Here is your royal goal, Come, with your joyous soul, And make all nature sing!