Classic Poem

It comes, it swells, it breaks upon the ear;
Millions have caught the spirit-stirring sound:—
We, too, with joy, with transport uncontrolled,
Would in the chorus of our city join:
Thou noblest of the noble, welcome here!
Noble in high born deeds of spotless fame:
Yes, in behalf of those who o'er us watch,
We bid thee welcome to this lovely spot,
Our peaceful home, where kindred souls are knit
In one sweet bond of friendship unalloyed.
It is not ours thy lineaments to trace,
The intellectual brow, the flashing eye
Whose glance the language of the soul portrays;
But fancy's busy hand the picture draws,
And with a smile, the glowing sketch presents
To hearts that with anticipation throb.
How have we longed to meet thee, thou whose voice,
In eloquence resistless, like a spell,
Holds e'en a nation captive to its powers!
Well may Columbia of her son be proud.
Firm as a rock, amid conflicting storms,
Thou by her side hast ever fearless stood,
With truth thy motto, principle thy guide;
And thou can'st feel as rich a gem is thine,
As ever graced the loftiest monarch's brow—
A nation's honor, and a nation's love.
O'er Ashland veiled in winter's cheerless night,
Ere long will steal the gentle breath of spring;
And thou wilt sit among the shades embowered
Of ancient trees, whose giant branches wave
Around the quiet home thou lov'st so dear;
The winding streamlet on whose pearly breast
The crescent moon reflects her silver light,
Will murmur on; and when the blushing morn
Calls nature from a soft and dewy sleep,
The birds will glad thee with their gushing songs,
So sweetly carolled to the new-born day.
Once more, illustrious statesman, welcome here!
Language can do no more—these trembling lips
To our emotions utterance cannot give,
Yet we would ask, ere thou from us depart,
Oh! let thine accents greet each anxious ear;
Speak, we entreat thee, but one parting word,
That in the secret chambers of the heart
May live the memory of its thrilling tones,
When he who uttered them is far away.