In ways of beauty and peace

In ways of beauty and peace

Fair desire, companion of man,

Leadeth the children of earth.

As when the storm doth cease,

The loving sun the clouds dispelleth,

And woodland walks are sweet in spring;

The birds they merrily sing

And every flower-bud swelleth.

Or where the heav'ns o'erspan

The lonely downs

When summer is high:

Below their breezy crowns

And grassy steep

Spreadeth the infinite smile of the sunlit sea;

Whereon the white ships swim,

And steal to havens far

Across the horizon dim,

Or lie becalm'd upon the windless deep,

Like thoughts of beauty and peace,

When the storm doth cease,

And fair desire, companion of man,

Leadeth the children of earth.