The grateful shadows of the trees, tempered with fragrant showers, Refreshed me in the burning heat of the sultry noontide hours; O, one might live upon the balm and fragrance of those bowers. Ne’er had I found on earth a spot that had such power to please, Such shadows from the summer sun, such odors on the breeze; I threw my mantle on the ground, that I might rest at ease, And stretched upon the greensward lay in the shadow of the trees. There, soft reclining in the shade, all cares beside me flung, I heard the soft and mellow notes that through the woodland rung. Ear never listened to a strain, from instrument or tongue, So mellow and harmonious as the songs above me sung.”