Classic Poem

Far away in the West, where the savage is straving,
His war path all gory, his visage begrimed,
Where man hates his fellow, betrayed and betraying,
And nature alone breathes a spirit sublime —
There's a Fountain whose flow sweet as nectar inviteth,
Embosomed in hills such as Eden adorn;
Each sip of its waters to Friendship inciteth
And P EACE is the song that its song birds return.

There met , drops the Savage his hatchet and arrow,
There met , breast to breast, joins in fondest embrace;
From the song birds the foemen sweet caroling borrow,
And war paint the waters wash out from each face;
The hills smile around — 'tis the approval of Heaven —
Their light catches, glances in every eye,
And speaks of a host of foul insults forgiven,
And pledges a Covenant that never can die.

T HE L ODGE is a peace fount! come, Brothers, and taste it!
O'erflowing with sweetness, to you it is given!
A R OCK its F OUNDATION , — what ages have placed it!
Its C OVERING , the starry-decked arches of Heaven.
Its L AW , 'tis inscribed in yon holiest Volume —
Its C HAIN , every link is the soul of a Man!
Behold on the right hand and left hand its C OLUMN !
Behold in the East is its marvelous P LAN !