  Tell me whether you have ridden Gallant steed a lengthy mile! As he galloped, in your saddle Could you sit and calmly smile, For you hardly felt the motion, Tho’ his feet fell firm and strong, Sending sparks in feathery flashes From the flint-strewn road along? Then did forests flit and vanish, Lofty trees like spectres pass? Looked the mountain in the distance Like some wavering shapeless mass? Fine-cut ears and flowing mane, While your fingers felt the snaffle Pulling doubly on the rein? Have you ever watched the river, Bounding onward to the sea, Have you heard the restless throbbing Of the waters’ joyous glee, From the upland to the valley Still so bravely battling on, Turning not for gain, or pleasure, Till its goal is safely won? Have you seen the kingly eagle, Rising, leave his nest on high, Wings outstretched, eyes glancing sunward, As he cleaves the azure sky? Quite as glorious as the river (For one hand has made the two), Reared and dwelling near the heavens, Linking those blue heights with you. When we sail across the ocean, Far from sight or reach of land, Feel we then the vessel fighting White sea-horses in a band? Fierce and wild they turn and double, Waves of water wildly moan. Joining there they lash the bulwarks Till the ship will creak and groan. Tho’ the joy lay yet unconscious, Time in after days will bring, Out of all such scenes, a token, Breathing of some better thing. Our tired senses will awaken From their slumberings, fresh and strong, While a holier spirit bids us, Love the right, and hate the wrong. ’Tis not thought of fame or fortune That rebounds within the mind, Stifling every earthly passion, Opening eyes which long were blind. What is greatest, noblest, best, In our natures, then uprising, Make such scenes for ever blest. THE END. |
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