Page:Poems Proctor.djvu/254

Cities gleam and orchards blossom; woodmen open to the sun
Leagues of lowland, breadths of forest where its tribute-rivers run,
Till a free and happy people fill the valley rich and wide,
From the springs of great Missouri far to Alleghany's side;
While above them, all unclouded, done with war and envious jars,
Brighter through the circling ages shine the glorious Stripes and Stars!

Then amid the yellow wheat-fields as they reap in summer days;
Heap, when harvest-moons are shining, rustling sheaves of ripened maize;
Pluck the grapes from purple hillsides when the vintage crowns the year;
Grind the cane and house the cotton that has cost no bondman dear;
Choose untrammeled, righteous rulers, fit the country's name to bear;
Hear the bells from bluff and prairie through the hush of Sabbath air;
They shall tell the thrilling story of the twice-won River o'er,
And the Boatman and the Soldier honored be forevermore;