Classic Poem

BY OTWAY CURRY .

Stern ruler of that lurid clime,
 Along whose vast and gloomy deep
The shadowy winds and hues sublime
 Of never-ending tempests sweep:

Before thy sceptre high and stern
 The armies of the fallen wait
In dark array, and proudly spurn
 The fetters of unchanging fate.

In thy dark home of endless gloom,
 Their warrior legions round thee press,
To meliorate thy fearful doom
 With their unfaltering faithfulness.

Unwavering still, though deadliest ills
 Have worn the smiles all darkly dim
That lured them on the heavenly hills
 To brave the embattled seraphim.

And the bright crown of shining stars,
 That glittered then upon thy brow,
Is changed for deep and fearful scars
 Of everlasting vengeance now.

Oh! thou wast glorious on the hills
 Of Eden in the olden time—
'Mid starry halls, and living rills,
 Unfallen, and unstained with crime.

And glorious, even in fearful strife
 With powers that round the Highest dwell,
When, battling for the thrones of life,
 The arch-angelic leaders sell.

And now beneath thy burning throne
 The stalwart surges fiercely meet,
By spirits of the tempest thrown
 In fiery worship at thy feet.