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1819–1891

TO WHITTIER

James Russell Lowell

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.

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TO WHITTIER · James Russell Lowell · Poetry Cove