Uncollected Poems of James Russell Lowell | ||
237
XXVI
That voice pealed out where first the Heavenly fireCame down to light the altar of the free—
'T is fit the blaze should thus be kindled higher,
And spread its holy light from sea to sea;
Oh may it still descend from hoary sire
To son—a heritage of Liberty;
And may our maidens, as in ancient Rome,
Still nurse this vestal flame, whose shrine is—home!
Uncollected Poems of James Russell Lowell | ||