The Columbiad by Joel Barlow
page 36 of 390 (09%)
page 36 of 390 (09%)
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But cease, my son, these dread events to trace, Nor learn the woes that here await thy race. Anorth from that broad gulph, where verdant rise Those gentler mounds that skirt the temperate skies, A happier hemisphere invites thy view; Tis there the old world shall embrace the new: There Europe's better sons their seat shall trace, And change of government improve the race. Thro all the midsky zones, to yon blue pole, Their green hills lengthen, their bright rivers roll; And swelling westward, how their champaigns run! How slope their uplands to the morning sun! So spoke the blest Immortal; when more near His northern wilds in all their breadth appear; Lands yet unknown, and streams without a name Rise into vision and demand their fame. As when some saint first gains his bright abode, Vaults o'er the spheres and views the works of God, Sees earth, his kindred orb, beneath him roll, Here glow the centre, and there point the pole; O'er land and sea his eyes delighted rove, And human thoughts his heavenly joys improve; With equal scope the raptured Hero's sight Ranged the low vale, or climb'd the cloudy height, As, fixt in ardent look, his opening mind, Explored the realms that here invite mankind. From sultry Mobile's gulph-indented shore |
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