Classic Poem

I STOOD upon the summit of a hill,
Beneath me rolled Potomac's waters dark;
It was the hour of midnight—all was still—
When, lo! before me rose a stately bark;
Its starry banner to the breeze unfurled,
While freshening gales the dancing waters curled.

The scene was changed—a storm swept hoarsely by,
The stars were covered with a sable pall;
The lightnings flashed, the thunder rent the sky,
Potomac answered to the fearful call.
Around that bark the surges madly break,
But the brave bark no other course will take.

Onward she flew, and with exulting pride,
Dashed back the waves that rushed to overwhelm;
Onward she flew amid the boiling tide,
For lo! an angel form was at the helm;
His brow was lofty and his eye serene,
Calmly he looked upon that troubled scene.

The tempest ceased—the lovely queen of night
Looked forth upon the sleeping earth once more;
And studded with its gems of golden light,
The sky a coronet of beauty wore;
Hushed was the tumult of that raging storm,
And straight before me stood that angel form.

“Fear not,” he cried, “though mighty thunders crash,
And fiercely darts the lightning's vivid ray;
Though tempest rend, the waves impetuous dash,
That gallant bark shall onward hold her way.
Its stars and stripes shall float o'er every sea,
Bearing the motto—Union—Liberty.

“Though party feuds presage approaching ill,
They shall not sever freedom's sacred chain;
While Moultrie's fort exists or Bunker's Hill
Its sacred links unbroken shall remain;
Dissolve the Union! then may hope expire,
And Liberty to other lands retire.

“Columbia! ere a deed so rash be done,
From all the annals of thy former fame
Blot every memory of thy Washington;
'Twould be his wish when powerless his name.
He comes to warn thee from the realms of light”—
The spirit paused, then vanished from my sight.