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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WASHINGTON by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT

Poet Analysis

First Line: GREAT WERE THE HEARTS AND STRONG THE MINDS

GREAT were the hearts, and strong the minds,
Of those who framed, in high debate,
The immortal league of love that binds '
Our fair broad empire, state with state.


And ever hallowed be the hour,
When, as the auspicious task was done,
A nation's gift, the sword of power,
Was given to glory's unspoiled son.


That noble race is gone; the suns .
Of fifty years have risen and set;
The holy links those mighty ones
Had forged and knit, are brighter yet.


Wide-as our own free race increase
Wide shall it stretch the elastic chain,
And bind, in everlasting peace,
State after state, a mighty train.




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