I.
Columbia, child of Britain,- noblest child!
I praise the growing lustre of thy worth,
And fain would see thy great heart reconciled
...
Ho! Brother, I'm a Britisher,
A chip of heart of oak,
That wouldn't warp or swerve or stir
From what I thought or spoke,-
...
Ye that steer the minds of men,
Pilots of the public will,
By the rudder of the pen
Guiding us to good or ill,-
...
She slumbers.- O blessed sleep, rain from thy wings
Thy life-giving balm on her delicate frame;
And send Thou from Eden's ambrosial springs
...
Bravo, Detraction! libel worse and worse,--
Blessed is he whom you delight to curse;
Go on, go on,-- you serve my purpose so,--
...
Monarch of millions, yet a gentle maid,
O, fair and young,- yet dignified and sage,
Most glorious Queen, yet in thy glory staid,
...
Giant aggregate of nations,
Glorious Whole of glorious Parts,
Unto endless generations
Live United, hands and hearts!
...
Avaunt -- Exclusions cold and proud!--
Your doom is come, your day is past;
Not even Fashion dares to cast
Contempt upon the common crowd.
...
Yet will I trust! in all my fears,
Thy mercy, gracious Lord, appears,
To guide me through this vale of tears,
...