A HARVEST HYMN.
WRITTEN FOR THE AMESBURY AND SALISBURY AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION, SEPT. 17, 1860.
O HAPPY day returned once more
With golden plenty still replete;
As though she never gave before
Earth pours her treasures at our feet.
With golden plenty still replete;
As though she never gave before
Earth pours her treasures at our feet.
And ne'er did ruddier fruit fulfil
The rosy prophecies of May;
Ne'er did the rugged lands we till
Yield sweeter corn or flowers more gay.
The rosy prophecies of May;
Ne'er did the rugged lands we till
Yield sweeter corn or flowers more gay.
Not one among the many here
Who prune the tree or plough the soil,
But has some share in Nature's cheer,
Some liberal recompense for toil.
Who prune the tree or plough the soil,
But has some share in Nature's cheer,
Some liberal recompense for toil.
Yet none his choicest stores may boast
Of flowers or fruit or garnered grain,
For labor of his hands were lost
Unblest by heaven's refreshing rain.
Of flowers or fruit or garnered grain,
For labor of his hands were lost
Unblest by heaven's refreshing rain.
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