Down by the wood
When daylight is breaking,
And the first breath of dawn
The green leaves is shaking,
'Tis bliss, without limit,
Alone to be straying —
To hear the wild-wood birds,
And what they are saying!

Down by the wood
When it's noon in the heaven,
And the steer to the shade
Of the hedgerow is driven, —
'Tis sweet to recline
In the beechen-tree's shadow,
And drink all the glories
Of field, forest, meadow!

Down by the wood
At the fall of the gloaming,
'Mong clear crystal dew-drops
'Tis sweet to be roaming: —
The hush of the wheat-ears —
The gushing of water —
The shiver of green leaves —
The music of nature!