Poems (Rice)/Lines on Washington's Birthday, 1858

by Maria Theresa Rice

LINES ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON'S. BIRTHDAY, 1858.

AWAKE from slumber, greet the day begun,
The natal day of our great Washington;
Unfurl your banners; let the deep-toned bell
Resound aloud, the welcome day to tell.

First, low on bended knee thanksgivings pour,
And praises mingle with the cannon's roar;
Give psalms to Him, and choirs your anthems sing,
Throughout the land let pure hosannas ring;

Let Everett's matchless eloquence now flow,
Portraying virtues which the world should know;
Himself a star to light the coming age,
To show how lived and died our country's sage.

He for Mt. Vernon,—O that hallowed ground
Where sleeps the hero of our theme profound,—
Our hero's radiant name will he embalm,
Steadfast in faith which nothing could disarm.

Ye lofty hills and mountains towering high,
With snowy crowns half dipped in azure dye,
Proclaim his deeds with your majestic power,
Till hearts indifferent wake to hail the hour.

Bright sun so glorious, with your melting beams
Dissolve the fetters of yon silvery streams;
Warm into music every rippling wave,
To join our chorus for the good and brave.

Pause now, and pluck from memory's wreath a flower
Of hue perennial, from affection's bower
Let balmy breezes waft a sweet perfume
Around that sacred and that holy tomb.