tl IN PRAISE OF GARDENS 



For the splendid gospel of color, 

 The rapt revelations of sound ; 

 For the morning-blue above us 

 And the rusted gold of the fern, 

 For the chickadee's call to valor 

 Bidding the faint-heart turn; 



For fire and running water, 

 Snowfall and summer rain; 

 For sunsets and quiet meadows, 

 The fruit and the standing grain ; 

 For the solemn hour of moonrise 

 Over the crest of trees, 

 When the mellow lights are kindled 

 In the lamps of the centuries. 



For those who wrought aforetime, 

 Led by the mystic strain 

 To strive for the larger freedom, 

 And live for the greater gain; 

 For plenty and peace and playtime, 

 The homely goods of earth, 

 And for rare immaterial treasures 

 Accounted of little worth ; 



For art and learning and friendship, 

 Where beneficent truth is supreme, 



[146] 



