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ANNIVERSARY POEM.
193
XVII.And now all burdens from the heart we fling; We float from tempests, we are glad and free; We pass the turbulent whirlpools of the seaOf human effort, poising every wing For flights ecstatic, while we toss the spray Of gleeful words, and pour with laughter gayLibations to our queen, whose praise we sing.
XVIII.Were seasons bitter in the bygone year? We feel no chill to-night from any cold: Crossed we the desert? back the sands have rolled,And the Nile's lapsing symphonies we hear: Was love withheld? still we had love to give: Are loved ones dead? our dead shall surely live:Has earth receded? ah, then heaven is near!
XIX.And more to grace our natal night, behold A miracle! beside the honeyed hive Our sweetest flowers (for there were flowers) revive;The autumn breeze, but lately waxing bold,
