MONTPELIER.
257
MONTPELIER.
THE SEAT OF THE LATE JAMES MADISON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
How fair, beneath Virginia's sky,
Montpelier strikes the traveller's eye,
Emerging from its forest-bower,
Like feudal chieftain's ancient tower,
With parks and lawns and gardens drest,
In peaceful verdure proudly blest.
What blended beauties cheer the sight!
The distant mountain's misty height,
The nearer prospect's cultured face,
The sylvan temple's attic grace,
The locust copse, where warblers throng,
And gaily pour the unfettered song,
The flowers in bright profusion seen,
The luscious fig's luxuriant green,
The clasping vine, whose clusters fair,
Seem as of genial France the care,
