298 NEW HAMPSHIRE HILLS.
But greater still when mighty storm prevails, And stray winds blow the gray fog off in clouds, The " league long roller," that with easy grace Moved shoreward in the calm, now white with foam Increased to giant size is madly hurled With thund'rous shock upon the shud'dring coast ! Great fleets now rock within that havened bay ; The endless reach of forest bows in fear, From wilderness goes up despairing sigh, Wide heaths seem paralyzed, and uplands fair A lower bed would seek in sheer dismay ; But still defiant, looming, firm, each head Of solid granite fronts the scene of dread.
Still more impressive here to silent stand When o'er the portals of magestic Night Each star its brilliant torch resets and glows ; The full orbed moon between the towering crags To flood the hamlets with their tender light ; The slumbering village nestled at their base ! When plumes of pine are stirred by lightest breeze And blooms of white bedeck the orchard trees.
For ages have the caves of mounts abroad Gave shelter to the homeless. Noble saints There refuge found when Bigotry pursued With deadly fangs, in vain. From rock to rock Have men of God like hunted chamois leaped ; " In palace halls of ice undaunted stood, Where Solitude sits throned forever more," And saw no light save smile of pitying stars ! The scent of sacrifice has rose for aye In many a mountain defile ! Natives Yet believe that ghosts of valiant heroes Linger where they fell and deities decide The fate of mortals in their highest mounts !
And so with reverence look we forth today On our own "Crystal Hills," as yet unsung ; This simple verse may wake some poet's lay, Whose garland long may please the rising young.
East Lempster, N. H.
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