LAFAYETTE.
O deep was the gloom on our sad land descending,
And wild was the moan from the tempest's dread form,
While the heroes and sires of our country were bending
Their souls to their God, and their brows to the storm.
Who bounds to the shore from the dark bosom'd ocean,
In the sparkle and pride of his beauty and youth?
His ardent mind burning, his soul all devotion,
To the high cause of liberty, justice and truth?
He joins the bold band, who, with spirits undaunted,
Strive to guard and to win, all man's bosom holds dear;
It is done! they have triumph'd! and heaven has granted
Fair freedom to crown their majestic career.
How lovely the land where the bright sun is flinging
The purple and gold from his throne in the west!
There millions of hearts in their gladness are singing,
There finds the poor exile contentment and rest.
The eagle that rush'd on a torn, bloody pinion,
And soar'd to the sky 'mid the clamors of light,
Now wings his proud way in untroubled dominion,
While the nations all silently gaze on his flight.
Who comes o'er the billow with head bent and hoary,
With full throbbing heart, and with glistening eye
Past years roll before him—the scene of his glory
Fills his heart with emotions, deep, solemn and high.
Great man! thy lov'd name to the skies is ascending,
A name whose remembrance no time can destroy,
While gladness and grief are within us contending,
For all thou hast suffer'd, and all we enjoy.
We will rank thee with him, who was sent us by heaven;
Ye shall meet in our hearts as in glory ye met:
Spread, ye winds, the glad news! to our wishes is given
The friend of our WASHINGTON, brave LAFAYETTE.