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THE UNITED STATES.
It were the greatest evil could befall me,
If from thy shores some luckless fate should call me,
My own dear laud most fair!
If from thy shores some luckless fate should call me,
My own dear laud most fair!
Though other skies may shine with greater splendor,
And other lands may fairer seasons tender,
Yet lightning gleams amid the darkest gloom;
The brightest flames oft cover worthless ashes,
The fairest monument in glory flashes,
Above the deepest tomb!
And other lands may fairer seasons tender,
Yet lightning gleams amid the darkest gloom;
The brightest flames oft cover worthless ashes,
The fairest monument in glory flashes,
Above the deepest tomb!
Thou land of rolling floods and lofty mountains,
Of dark green forests and pellucid fountains,
Sounding like silver music o'er the sea—
Out from their prison-bounds in gladness springing,
Their tuneful voices with clear laughter ringing,
To know that they are free!
Of dark green forests and pellucid fountains,
Sounding like silver music o'er the sea—
Out from their prison-bounds in gladness springing,
Their tuneful voices with clear laughter ringing,
To know that they are free!
Thou art mine own! deep thoughts nor straining vision.
Could make thee fairer—thou, mine own Elysian;
A mighty gem set in the western world!
And though thy skies may shine with colder lustre.
The brightest constellations round thee cluster,
Where'er thy flag's unfurled!
Could make thee fairer—thou, mine own Elysian;
A mighty gem set in the western world!
And though thy skies may shine with colder lustre.
The brightest constellations round thee cluster,
Where'er thy flag's unfurled!
