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(From Idyls of the Pioneers)
LAND of mighty lake and forest! | |
| Where the winter’s locks are hoarest; | |
| Where the summer’s leaf is greenest, | |
| And the winter’s bite the keenest; | |
| Where the autumn’s leaf is searest, | 5 |
| And her parting smile the dearest; | |
| Where the tempest rushes forth | |
| From his caverns in the north, | |
| With the lightnings of his wrath | |
| Sweeping forests from his path; | 10 |
| Where the cataract stupendous | |
| Lifteth up his voice tremendous; | |
| Where uncultivated Nature | |
| Rears her pines of giant stature,— | |
| Sows her jagged hemlocks o’er, | 15 |
| Thick as bristles on the boar,— | |
| Plants the stately elm and oak | |
| Firmly in the iron rock; | |
| Where the crane her course is steering, | |
| And the eagle is careering; | 20 |
| Where the gentle deer are bounding, | |
| And the woodman’s axe resounding,— | |
| Land of mighty lake and river, | |
| To our hearts thou ’rt dear forever! | |
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