324
THE CHARM.
Now, shining forth, thou mad'st compliant The conscript fathers to thy charms,Roused the world-bestriding giant, Sinking fast in slavery's arms!
I see thee stand by Freedom's fane,Pouring the persuasive strain, Giving vast conceptions birth;Hark! I hear thy thunders sound,Shake the Forum round and round, Shake the pillars of the earth!
First-born of Liberty divine! Put on Religion's bright array;Speak! and the starless grave shall shine The portal of eternal day.
Rise, kindling with the orient beam,Let Calvary's hill inspire the theme, Unfold the garments rolled in blood!Oh, touch the soul—touch all her chords—With all the omnipotence of words, And point the way to heaven—to God!
The Charm.
From the Spanish.
Wind the spell, bind the spell;—What is in it! Fond farewell!Wreathed with drops from azure eyes,Twilight vows, and midnight sighs.
Bind it on the maiden's soul!Suns may set, and years may roll;Yet beneath the tender twineAll the spirit shall be thine.
Oceans may between you sweep,But the spell's as strong and deep!Anguish, distance, time are vain—Death alone can loose the chain.
