FROM that far island in the midland sea, Where Rhodian art wrought out the world's surprise, Did our own Eden island's name arise, And then, at last, the State's it grew to be. Loved of all generous souls her Founder's name; And forth from her what stalwart men have sprung! Gallant in battle, eloquent of tongue, Philanthropist and soldier give her fame. Of seven and thirty, this the smallest State, And yet how powerful and how populous! Where will and deed, like hers, are valorous, To narrow bounds is set how large a fate! No steadier brilliance has been thrown afar Throughout our history's every darkest night Than hers, -- how lustrous and how wide her light, Though of the Nation's cluster, smallest star! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN A LECTURE-ROOM by ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH THYESTES, ACT 2: CHORUS by LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA ON HOMER'S BIRTHPLACE by ANTIPATER OF SIDON PSALM 137: EXILE by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE ON A RAINBOW AT NIGHT by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD |