return of summer

we hail thee, glorious summer,
we welcome thee today,
with all thy flowery legions
and all thy songbirds gay.
the happy rills to meet thee
with merry laughter run;
while woodland banners greet thee,
beneath a smiling sun.

refrain

we hail thee, joyous summer!
we welcome thee today!
with all thy flowery legion,
and all thy songbirds gay.

we hail thy smile of gladness
o summer fair and sweet;
o let us lay all sadness
and sighing at thy feet.
the woodland ways are ringing
with many a merry lay;
oh let us join in singing
with nature’s choir today.

refrain

o summer, thou hast brought us
a message sweet and fair;
o summer, thou hast taught us
of heaven’s brooding care.
thy gleaming skies of glory
watch o’er the world in love;
they tell a glad, sweet story
of summer lands above.

refrain