RUSH on, bold stream! thou sendest up Brave notes to all the woods around, When morning beams are gathering fast, And hushed is every human sound; I stand beneath the sombre hill, The stars are dim o'er fount and rill, And still I hear thy waters play In welcome music, far away; Dash on, bold stream! I love the roar Thou sendest up from rock and shore. 'T is night in heaven, -- the rustling leaves Are whispering of the coming storm, And, thundering down the river's bed, I see thy lengthened, darkling form; No voices from the vales are heard, The winds are low, each little bird Hath sought its quiet, rocking nest, Folded its wings, and gone to rest: And still I hear thy waters play In welcome music, far away. Oh! earth hath many a gallant show, Of towering peak and glacier height, But ne'er, beneath the glorious moon, Hath nature framed a lovelier sight Than thy fair tide with diamonds fraught, When every drop with light is caught, And, o'er the bridge, the village girls Reflect below their waving curls, While merrily thy waters play In welcome music, far away! |