James Montgomery

The violets were past their prime,
Yet their departing breath
Was sweeter, in the blast of death,
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The violets were past their prime,
Yet their departing breath
Was sweeter, in the blast of death,
Than all the lavish fragrance of the time.

The Dove,
On silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.

The Dove,
On silver pinions, winged her peaceful way.

Blue thou art, intensely blue;
Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue?

Blue thou art, intensely blue;
Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue?

The tall Oak, towering to the skies,
The fury of the wind defies,
From age to age, read more

The tall Oak, towering to the skies,
The fury of the wind defies,
From age to age, in virtue strong.
Inured to stand, and suffer wrong.

Golden Bill! Golden Bill!
Lo, the peep of day;
All the air is cool and still,
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Golden Bill! Golden Bill!
Lo, the peep of day;
All the air is cool and still,
From the elm-tree on the hill,
Chant away:
. . . .
Let thy loud and welcome lay
Pour alway
Few notes but strong.