Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. II. The Seventeenth Century: Ben Jonson to Dryden

George Wither (1588–1667)

Extracts from Hallelujah: For Summer Time

1NOW 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,

Mixed with pleasure profits yield.

2Much is found where nothing was,

Herds on every mountain go,

In the meadows flowery grass

Makes both milk and honey flow;

Now each orchard banquets giveth,

Every hedge with fruit relieveth;

And on every shrub and tree

Useful fruits or berries be.

3Walks 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.

4Other blessings, many more,

At this time enjoyed 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

Everything which I enjoy.