For Summer-time

Now the glories of the year
May be viewed at the best,
And the earth doth now appear
In her fairest garments dress'd:
Sweetly smelling plants and flowers
Do perfume the garden bowers;
Hill and valley, wood and field,
Mix'd with pleasures, profits yield.

Much is found where nothing was,
Herds on ev'ry mountain go,
In the meadows' flow'ry grass
Makes both milk and honey flow;
Now each orchard banquets giveth,
Ev'ry hedge with fruit relieveth;
And on every shrub and tree
Useful fruits or berries be.

Walks and ways which winter marr'd,
By the winds are swept and dried;
Moorish grounds are now so hard,
That on them we safe may ride:
Warmth enough the sun doth lend us,
From his heat the shades defend us;
And thereby we share in these,
Safety, profit, pleasure, ease.

Other blessings, many more,
At this time enjoy'd may be;
And in this my song therefore,
Praise I give, O Lord! to Thee:
Grant that this my free oblation
May have gracious acceptation,
And that I may well employ
Ev'rything which I enjoy.