When on Her Maker’s Bosom

When on her Maker’s bosom
The new-born earth was laid,

When on her Maker’s bosom
The new-born earth was laid,
And nature’s opening blossom
Its fairest bloom displayed;

When all with fruit and flowers
The laughing soil was dressed,
And Eden’s fragrant bowers
Received their human guest;

No sin his face defiling,
The heir of Nature stood,
And God, benignly smiling,
Beheld that all was good.

Yet in that hour of blessing,
A single want was known;
A wish the heart distressing;
For Adam was alone.

O, God of pure affection,
By men and saints adored,
Who gavest thy protection
To Cana’s nuptial board,

May such thy bounties ever
To wedded love be shown,
And no rude hand dissever
Whom thou hast linked in one.

Reginald Heber