NEW ENGLAND'S poet, rich in love as years, Her hills and valleys praise thee, her swift brooks Dance in thy verse; to her grave sylvan nooks Thy steps allure us, which the wood-thrush hears As maids their lovers', and no treason fears; Through thee her Merrimacs and Agiochooks And many a name uncouth win gracious looks, Sweetly familiar to both Englands' ears: Peaceful by birthright as a virgin lake, The lily's anchorage, which no eyes behold Save those of stars, yet for thy brother's sake That lay in bonds, thou blewst a blast as bold As that wherewith the heart of Roland brake, Far heard across the New World and the Old. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE EMPEROR'S BIRD'S-NEST by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW HIS RETIREMENT by PHILIP AYRES SINCERITIES by WILLIAM ROSE BENET |