Classic Poem

Have you not seen in saffron drest, the Sun
Burst thro' the crystal portals of the day;
While fogs, and blights, fast from his presence run —
And millions breathe but in his genial ray:
When soon an angry cloud o'erspreads the sky,
And darkness tinges every blooming scene —
The promis'd blessings of the morning fly,
And thunder hoarsly murmurs o'er the plain.
But Phoebus quite unmov'd serenely glides
Behind the vapour of night's ebon throne,
Hurls it in air, and shews that he presides,
With splendor equal to protect his own.
So have I seen in our new hemisphere,
A star refulgent rise — whose potent ray
Pierc'd thro' the dread opaque that hover'd near,
And gave existance to our infant day.
So have I seen a man of honor shine,
And with nice rectitude begin his race;
Stringing each nerve with energy divine,
To save his country from the foul disgrace
Of blasted credit, and the shades of wealth —
Of broken faith, and infamy supreme;
Restoring strength, and confidence, and health,
To bankrupt funds, that were an empty name.
When vile intrigue, with all her little art,
And her dire nest of hornets, soon prepar'd
To vex the honest veteran to the heart —
And by surprize to throw him off his gaurd,
But fair Integrity repuls'd the foe,
And soon dissolv'd the spells they had begun;
While well-earn'd fame with truths celestial glow,
Reflects new lustre on our HAMILTON.