NIAGARA.
I.
Grandest of Nature's works, her wildest wreck,Or stateliest shrine! What ear, Niagara,Thrills not? what eye unstartled shall surveyThy loud and raging waters, as they breakFull o'er the fearful precipice, and whelmThy sea-green Naiads a in the gulf below?Through many a stormy lake, b and boundless realm,And well-fought field c thy winding currents flow,Watering the woods, and herds, and creatures rude,That haunt thy brink their hasty draught to steal;And now for toil or pastime, float or keel,Smooth as a glass expands th' united flood; dThat youth deluded by the flattering gleam,Might trust with arm secure the tameness of thy stream.
