Classic Poem

Almighty Power! The One S UPREME !
Our souls inspire, attune our lays
With hearts as solemn as our theme,
To sing hosannas to thy praise!

Then, while we swell the sacred song,
And bid the pealing anthem rise
May seraphim the strain prolong,
And hymns of glory fill the skies.

Thy word omnifick form'd this earth,
Ere time began revolving years —
Thy fiat gave to Nature birth
And tun'd to harmony the spheres.

When stern Oppression's iron hand,
Our pious fathers forc'd to roam,
And o'er the wild wave seek the land
Where Freedom rears her hallow'd dome. —

When tempests howl'd, and o'er the main,
Pale Horrour rear'd his haggard form;
Thou didst the fragile bark sustain
To stem the fury of the storm!

When savage hordes, from wilds immense,
Rais'd the shrill war-whoop's frantick yell,
Thine arm made bare in our defence,
Dispers'd the gloomy hosts of hell!

Thou badst the wilderness disclose
The varied sweets of vernal bloom —
The desert blossom'd like the rose,
And breath'd Arabia's rich perfume!

Look down from heaven's empyreal height,
And gild with smiles this happy day.
Send us some chosen S ON OF L IGHT
Our feet to guide in Wisdom's way.

The sons of Faction strike with awe,
And hush the din of party rage,
That L IBERTY , secur'd by L AW ,
May realize a golden age.

On those thy choicest blessings shower
To whom the cares of state are given;
May Justice wield the sword of Power,
T ILL E ARTH'S THE MINIATURE OF Heaven !