I.
Cloudlets on the summer sky,
Palaces and temples fair
Forming in the upper air,
What are ye that please the eye?
“Water, water, pure cold water,”
All the sunny clouds reply.
II.
Meadows, lovely to the view,
Spreading far along and wide,
What hath given your waving pride,
And your robes of verdant hue>
“Water, water, pure cold water,
Gentle rain and evening dew.”
III.
Giant oak, majestic tree,
Lifting up thy mighty form
To the lightning and the storm,
Answer, what hath nourished thee?
“Water, water, pure cold water,”
Shouts the kingly oak in glee.
IV.
Rose, thou blush of modest Spring,
Lily, resting like a swan
Snowy white, the wave upon,
What hath given the hues ye bring?
“Water, water, pure cold water,”
Rose and lily sweetly sing.
V.
Little lambs, upon the lea
Bounding here and there away,
What is’t ye have drunk to-day,—
Rosy wine to give you glee?
“No, ‘tis water, pure cold water,”
And the lambsleaped joyously.
VI.
Valleys smiling to this day,
Where the merry mower’s song
Murmurs on the breeze along,
What hath dressed your fields so gay?
“Water, water, pure cold water,”
All the blooming valleys say.
VII.
Deserts with your seas of sand,
Where the hungry lion growls,
And the Arab runner prowls,
What can cheer your thirsty land?
“Water, water, pure cold water,
From the bounteous Giver’s hand.”
VIII.
Tree and herb and living thing,
All that can make glad the earth;
Since your power and life and worth,
And your varied beauties spring
From the water, pure cold water,
Be it in the songs we sing.
IX.
Where the crystal waters run,
Fill the bowl, and fill it high,
And ring out your joyous cry—
“This shall be our drink alone,
Sparkling water, pure cold water,
Till our days of life are done.”
Pure Cold Water