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ANNIVERSARY POEM.
XXX.
We sauntered by the still, sequestered lake,
O'er which the trees leaned low and disallowed
Reflection of blue sky or tinted cloud:
Hushed were we into silence, or but spake
Half to recite, half chant some rhymèd phrase:
(Ah! such the witchery of those woodland ways,
The very lovers there their loves forsake!)
We sauntered by the still, sequestered lake,
O'er which the trees leaned low and disallowed
Reflection of blue sky or tinted cloud:
Hushed were we into silence, or but spake
Half to recite, half chant some rhymèd phrase:
(Ah! such the witchery of those woodland ways,
The very lovers there their loves forsake!)
XXXI.
But thou, O Genesee! above thy tide
On grassy lawn we loitered in the shade,
And watched thy cascade-waves their network braid
Of sunny coils, the notched, rude rocks to hide;
And heard—as choir-sung hymns, past architrave
And frescoed arch, and pillar-narrowed nave—
Ever, O Genesee, thy songs of pride!
But thou, O Genesee! above thy tide
On grassy lawn we loitered in the shade,
And watched thy cascade-waves their network braid
Of sunny coils, the notched, rude rocks to hide;
And heard—as choir-sung hymns, past architrave
And frescoed arch, and pillar-narrowed nave—
Ever, O Genesee, thy songs of pride!
XXXII.
Vaunting, thou child of clouds, thy lineage high;
Thine ermine-bordered, rustling, gemmed attire;
Vaunting, thou child of clouds, thy lineage high;
Thine ermine-bordered, rustling, gemmed attire;
