ALEXANDER CHARLES STEWART
Reading edition
From "THE WANDERER"
ADIEU to these!—Niagara, thy roar Is as the voice of freedom sounding far, And thundering Liberty to either shore, With boom that puts to shame the breath of war. The clouds which hover softly o'er thee are Symbolical of peace; while thou, fierce flood, Hast all the fury of a plunging star, Churning its liquid flames to foaming blood, And overturning worlds that have for ages stood. Forever pour thy dashing speed along Between the homes of Freedom and the Free; And chant forever thy resounding song To hearts that may re-echo liberty. The first who dares destroy thy purity, Or bridge thee for enslavers, may thy roar Cease like a thunderbolt, and o'er thy sea The chill of horror fall and wrap him o'er, Dry up thy foaming flood and be thy voice no more!