4534849Poems — Ode to the Northern LightsClara A. Merrill
ODE TO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Aurora-borealis:—Thy secret vast Hast ne'er by Man been found— As, through the Ages of the Past From Times remotest bound When Night her sable curtains fold O'er all the earth, then high 'Mid star-gemmed canopy—behold Thy rays illume the sky!
Canst tell—ye ice-bergs of the North— Whence comes these waves of light Whose golden splendor shimmers forth To greet the Queen of Night— Dost power that welds thy icy chain And casts thy fetters strong Ere thus make radiant thy domain As the ages creep along?
Ye wavering light!—Afar on high Shines forth, like chastening rod That Power, reflecting on the sky The mighty Hand of God! Then bow, ye mortal monarchs brave Before thy crumbling throne! Aurora's beams shall deck thy grave When a hundred years are flown.
