SUMMER still lingers, though its glories fade,
Still soft and fragrant are the gales that blow;
The yellow foliage now adorns the glade,
And paler skies succeed the summer's glow.
The drooping flowers fade, and all around
Their scatter'd blossoms wither and decay;
But still bright verdure decorates the ground,
And the sun sheds a soft and silver ray.
So gently pass we on to wintry days,
Through all the changes that the scene deform;
And still, O still the Being let us praise
Who sent the sunshine, and who sends the storm!
And so, when dreams of happiness are fled,
Vanish'd like summer suns and nature's bloom,
O'er the sad heart some ling'ring joys are shed,
To cheer the way that leads us to the tomb.