The echoes that so boldly rung When cannon flashed from steep to steep, And Freedom's airy challenge flung, In each romantic valley sleep. His counsels here our chieftain breathed, Here roved his mild, undaunted eye, When yon lone fort with thickets wreathed, Held captive Britain's gallant spy. Fit home to rear a nation's youth How grateful is the sudden change Beneath the cliffs the river steals In darksome eddies to the shore, But midway every sail reveals Reflected on its crystal floor. In tranquil mood the cattle walk Low murmurs in the foliage bred, White fleecy clouds move slowly by, And then like spirits glide away. Amid the herbage, yesternight His web the cunning spider threw, And now, as sparkling diamonds bright, It glistens with the pendent dew. Gay butterflies dart on and sink O'er the sweet blossoms of the pea, And from the clover's globe of pink In all his varied beauty glows Deep meaning for the thoughtful heart, As it were fain to teach repose, And lofty confidence impart. How vivid to my fancy now, Uprise the forms that life redeem! The ardent eye-the open brow, And tender smile beside me seem. For Nature's presence gathers back The deeds that grace, the loves that cheer, And as her holy steps we track, Hope's rainbow breaks through sorrow's tear. |