And as the sun from the clear mirror wipes
The envious vapor that its lustre dimmed,
Just Time their names to honor shall restore.[1]
Such were thy sires, New England; such the men
That tamed thy wilds; thy slopes and valleys robed
With waving fields; made e'en thy rugged hills
Look kind; thy teeming cities with their marts,
Their industries and commerce, rise and thrive.
Rich among lands art thou in sweet content,
In health and plenty, born of patient toil.
Rich in thy stalwart sons and daughters fair,
That o'er the world, where'er their feet may tread,
Bear with them blessing. Known of all are they,
Of keen intelligence and purpose firm.
About their footsteps truth and freedom spring,
And law's firm voice is heard—her word obeyed;
Wide sown are wisdom's seeds, and useful arts,
With many a curious, many a rare device,
Lend force to labor, or embellish life.
- ↑ See Appendix, note A.
