ORIGINAL HYMN, 



WRITTEN FOR THE 



ANiMVERSARY OF THE ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 



By George Lunt, Esq. 



Once more amid the harvest fields with autumn's stores imbrowned. 

 With flowers and fruits and golden grain in rich profusion crowned. 

 Behind our steps the summer fades, before us all appear 

 The hues that with their glory paint the closing time of year. 



Once more we've seen the genial earth fling winter from her arnw. 

 For us unfold her mighty heart and give us all her charms ; 

 Once more we've met the summer's sun amid the blaze of June, 

 And gathered nature's bounties in beneath the harvest-moon. 



The forest leaves of late so fresh, lie strewn and withered round, 

 The voices of the coming storm sweep o'er the naked ground, 

 The birds that filled the living air have spread their wonted wing, 

 Afar beneath another sky to seek another spring. 



Yet though the circling seasons change and each resumes its reign. 

 Oh, not for this we grieve to see the year's departing train, 

 For hopes, that flushed the vernal hour, have found their rich reward, 

 And smilei should cheer the wintry hearth where plenty decks the board. 



Like men we met the honest toils with every rising morn. 



Like men we bore the fervid heat amid the bending Corn, 



And now with grateful hearts we come to bless the bounteous Power, 



Whose goodness sent the ripening sun and poured the kindly shower. 



And still to seek thy fostering hand and own thy constant care, 

 May we and ours to endless years thy glorious name declare ; 

 Thine are our fields and flocks and herds and all that cro^vne our dayi, 

 And still to thee. Almighty Lord! eternal be the praise. 



