As there I wandered, when the day was o'er—
Near that proud pile—along the silent shore—
And, fondly lingering o'er the magic scene,
Marked each blest spot, where Freedom's feet had been,—
The Present fled—the Future rose to light—
Columbia's Genius stood revealed to sight.
Her Phantom form uprose and touched the sky—
Her mighty realm lay stretched beneath her eye.
An awful light—yet gentle—yet serene—
Shone from those eyes, and from her god-like mien;