1 Heaven [GOD] shields and sets thee fast. It round thee fair has cast Thy virtue pure. Thus richest joy is thine;— Increase of corn and wine [lawful drink], And every gift divine, Abundant, sure.

2 Heaven shields and sets thee fast. From it thou goodness hast; Right are thy ways. Its choicest gifts 'twill pour, That last for evermore, Nor time exhaust the store Through endless days.

3 Heaven shields and sets thee fast, Makes thine endeavour last, And prosper well. Like hills and mountains high, Whose masses touch the sky; Like stream aye surging by; Thine increase swell!

4 With rite and auspice fair, Thine offerings [for GOD's sake] thou dost bear, And son-like give, The seasons round from spring, To olden duke and king [honoured in memory], Whose words to thee we bring:— "For ever live."

5 The Spirits of thy dead [honoured in memory], [By GOD's leave,] pour blessings on thy head, Unnumbered, sweet. Thy subjects, simple, good, Enjoy their drink and food. Our tribes of every blood Follow thy feet.

6 Like moons that wax in light; Or suns that scale the height; Or ageless hill; Nor change, nor autumn know; As pine and cypress grow; The sons that from thee flow Be lasting still!