I praised the Earth, in beauty seen

With garlands gay of various green;

I praised the Sea, whose ample field

Shone glorious as a silver shield;

And Earth and Ocean seem'd to say

'Our beauties are but for a day!'

I praised the Sun, whose chariot roll'd

On wheels of amber and of gold;

I praised the Moon, whose softer eye

Gleam'd sweetly through the summer sky:--

And Moon and Sun in answer said,

'Our days of light are numberéd!'

O GOD! O Good beyond compare!

If thus Thy meaner works are fair;

If thus Thy bounties gild the span

Of ruin'd earth and sinful man;

How glorious must the mansion be

Where Thy redeem'd shall dwell with Thee!