Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

Eastward (up-rising Sun!) was first unfurled
That dawning Genius whose great Noon, forth sweeping
Cloudracks of Terror, Gloom, and Woe, blood-weeping,
Rayed down calm Peace upon a storm-lashed world!
Stedfast he held his high course, star-impearled
By Truth's fair lights, the path of Duty keeping:
And when from France her fiery comet, sweeping
O'er Earth, athwart his burning track was hurled—
As meteors fade before the undying sun,
So before Him, Truth's Light and blazing power,
Paled that licentious Lie of Gallic breath!
Saviour of Liberty, if not her son,
He yields, the mighty unto mightier Death,
And the world darkens in his dying hour!