Solitudes waken and flash to the flaming of vigor, as manhood, Young and eager to do, strides into the mountains and valleys, And lifts the veil from the land long waiting in quiet and secret. My country smiles like a bride to receive the kiss of betrothal. Fair doth she seem to the world, and God's blessing has strength- ened the union ; And His promise bidding them onward to gather the good of fruition Lightens the way far into the years that are coming. Noble and strong, the nations usher their scion among them, Teaching, yet taught by the youngest, of glory, love and ambition. Fancy with strength of its daring turns into the future of years. Bold in the trial of deeds to track out the distant unknown. Dare I portend for my land, with this volume open before me, Honor and wealth for a crown, and growth of her dearest ambition? Rank yet higher 'mid the nations of earth, and virtue's rewards ? I dare, with the knowledge of deeds that were, and of good that shall be. I dare, when the silver of morn melts into this paling darkness, Look for a perfect day, flooded with golden glory. I dare, when the grain leaves the liberal hand, look on to the harvest ; Yea, now I may hear on the morn the whirl of the sickle. My heart beats strong at the sound of my country's name and welfare. Building with proud nationality, fame in her sons and her daughters ; Loosening aloft her flag, flung boldly to storms and to breezes. In the heart-throb of national feeling I hear but the heart-beat of manhood. Firing the currents of life in breasts of a happy people. And re-echoed in softening cadence, the souls of her poets are thrilling. From thee, dear land, grandest and noblest theme, their music Comes, inspired with glory and truth from holiest sources.
