3 I loved a rose, I loved it best

Of all I yet had found; But when the sun had reached the west, Its leaves had strewed the ground.

4 What can I love that takes no flight,
Nor fades with breeze or blast?
Oh, love the truth! the truth, both bright
And beautiful, will last.

The dingy autumn now has come,

The yellow leaves are falling;
All things more sombre have become,
And man to thought are calling.
But autumn is not drear alone;

It brings us many a pleasure;
A copious harvest now we own,
A rich and welcome treasure.
2 The ruddy apple on the tree,

The peach, its beauty shedding,
Are things I always love to see,

Though autumn's gloom is spreading.
The clustering grapes and juicy pear,
In luscious sweetness vieing,
Bestow their blessings free as air,
Our every want supplying.

3 The lengthened evening, bright and clear
Is one of autumn's giving,
Where social chat and merry cheer,
Afford us happy living.

In autumn, too, the happy throng
Of those are brought together,
Who love to pour the choral song,
In cool and pleasant weather.
4 Then why should autumn be so drear,
As if devoid of pleasure?

"Tis filled with much that brings good cheer,
It should be deemed a treasure.
Then why should autumn be so drear,
As if devoid of pleasure?
There's much to make its season dear
It shall be deemed a treasure.

The fountain clear,

The crystal tear,

Both gushing bright are thine.

The birds, on every forest tree
Awake their silvery melody;
And old and young,

In noble song,
Their nobler voices join.

4

With joy and glee

We'll follow thee,

Our life's short journey o'er,

Where'er we see thy lovely face,

Where'er thy beauteous steps we trace; 'Till we shall stand

In yon fair land,

And nature's God adore