  See the rivers flowing Downwards to the sea, Pouring all their treasures Bountiful and free: Yet to help their giving Hidden springs arise; Or, if need be, showers Feed them from the skies! Watch the princely flowers Their rich fragrance spread, Load the air with perfumes, From their beauty shed: Yet their lavish spending Leaves them not in dearth, With fresh life replenished By their mother earth! Give thy heart’s best treasures,— From fair Nature learn; Give thy love, and ask not, Wait not a return! And the more thou spendest From thy little store, With a double bounty God will give thee more. Apollo's chariot, drawn by four horses, travelling through the clouds
Raphael (1483-1520). Apollo in his Chariot. |
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