University of Virginia Library

The tempting precipice was hidden;
The angels of the storm forbidden
To strive upon his wasting frame—
The powers of air! enrobed in flame—
Whose thrones are everlasting hills,
Whose army all creation fills:
Who ride upon the roaring main;
And listen to the battle strain;
The thunders of the deep, and song
Of trumpets bursting all along,
When streamers flash, and banners blaze,
And tall plumes bow, and lightning strays

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O'er Ocean's dull-blue billows;
And far amid the clouds are seen,
Young angels' hands, that twine the green
Of laurels dripping gallant blood,
With sea-weed from the stormy flood,
And thunder-blasted willows.