A.D. 1513-A.D. 1901 [The American Senate has ratified the isthmus treaty. -- WASHINGTON TELEGRAM.] "SILENT upon a peak in Darien," The Spanish steel red in his conquering hand, While golden, green and gracious the vast land Of that new world comes sudden into ken -- Stands Nunez da Balboa. North and south He sees at last the full Pacific roll In blue and silver on each shelf and shoal, And the white bar of the broad river's mouth, And the long, ranked palm-trees. "Queen of Heaven," he cried, "To-day thou giv'st me this for all my pain, And I the glorious guerdon give to Spain, A new earth and new sea to be her pride, War ground and treasure-house." And while he spoke The world's heart knew a mightier dawn was broke. "Silent, upon a peak in Darien" -- Four hundred years being fled, a Greater stood On that same height; and did behold the flood Of blue waves leaping; Mother of all men! Wise Nature! And she spake, "The gift I gave To Nunez da Balboa could not keep Spain from her sins; now must the ages sweep To larger legend, tho' her own was brave. Here on this ridge I do foresee fresh birth. That which departed shall bring side by side, The sea shall sever what hills did divide; shall link in love." And there was joy on earth; Whilst England and Columbia, quitting fear, Kissed -- and let in the eager waters there. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO W.P.: 4 by GEORGE SANTAYANA SUMTER by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL THE WOMAN AND THE ANGEL by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE THE VANISHERS by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER A SONNET. OF LOVE by PHILIP AYRES FAMILIAR EPISTLES ON A SERMON, 'OFFICE & OPERATIONS OF HOLY SPIRIT': 2 by JOHN BYROM THE CANDLE OF THE LORD by ADA CAMBRIDGE |