Poems (Terry, 1861)/Bell-songs. No. 2

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4604017Poems — Bell-songs. No. 2Rose Terry Cooke
BELL-SONGS. No. 2."Fulgora frango."
Swinging slowly through the thunder,
Thrill the vivid bolts asunder,
  Make the storm-wind quail.
Hurl thy challenge, stern defender,
Fierce against the tempest's splendor,
  Past the hissing hail.

Leaping through affrighted heaven,
Swift the wrathful flames are driven,
  Flashing death and fear.
Speak, thou bell! with sullen clangor,
Overcry the tempest's anger,
  Force the storm to hear.

Unrelenting, burning, streaming,
Red o'er livid oceans gleaming,
  Lightnings rend the sky.
Break the thunder's fearful chorus,
Lift thy peal of triumph o'er us,
  Floating strong and high.

Tell the soul thy signal story,
How its own inherent glory
  Nature's might shall quell.
Ring a pæan for the spirit
Fire nor flood shall disinherit.
  Praise thy makers, bell!