Behold Glad Nature's Triumph!

"Behold glad nature's triumph! Lo, the sun
Hath burst the pall of night, and o'er the earth
Reviving radiance scattered! Sleep hath done
Her death-resembling reign, and thoughts have birth
That thrill the grateful heart with sacred mirth !
Like glittering flowers that deck the dewy ground,
How Fancy's bright-hued images abound,
And mortals own the glory and the worth
Of that proud boon—existence. All around,
Unnumbered charms arise in every sight and sound."

"The scene is steeped in beauty; and my soul,
No longer lingering in the gloom of care,
Doth greet creation's smile. The grey clouds roll,
Even from the mountain peaks, and melt in air!
The landscape looks an Eden! Who could wear
The frown of sorrow now? This glorious hour Reveals the ruling God!
The heavens are bare! Each sunny stream and blossom-mantled bower
Breathes of pervading love, and shows the power
That spoke him into life hath blessed man's earthly dower."
                                                                              ~Richardson