The Pleasures Of Autumn

AUTUMN with solemn step draws near,
Sober evening of the year;
When the trees are half embrown'd,
And falling leaves bestrew the ground.
What pleasure now to range the grove,
Or seated in the twined alcove,
(Whose roof perennial branches form,
That fearless brave the wintry storm)
The garden's flowery tribes to view,
That soon must lose each beauteous hue;
To hear the Redbreast warbling near,
Latest songster of the year;
To let the sportive fancy stray
O'er scenes as fairy visions gay;
Or give the silent, serious hour,
To Meditation's graver pow'r;
Or rich poetic page peruse,
Where thoughts congenial prompt the muse,
Till Night's chill breezes bid retire,
To seek th' inviting social fire,
Where Friendship bright, with Virtue's smiles,
In converse sweet the lengthen'd hour beguiles.