POEMS OF JAMES RYDER RANDALL
From the throned summit of the Thousand Islands
Meek virgins of the sea;
Along their diadem of emerald highlands,
The death-song sobs for thee.
The gay magnolia musky-haired and tender,
Queen-dryad of the scene,
Snares, in its veil of flower-floating splendor,
Winged linguist of the green.
The bright-plumed cedar trails its daintiest pillow
For nectar-laden bees;
Kneels, by the lake, the tress-disheveled willow,
Lone Magdalen of trees!
The knightly oak, a bulwark swart and brawny,
Stands by its page the vine;
Or hangs its large, storm-gullied, cleft, and tawny,
Upon its spear, the pine.
A dreamy fleck of violet creations
Stare at the anchored clouds,
Or shrink to see the spectral cypress nations
Rise glittering through their shrouds.
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