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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MOUNT AGASSIZ by CHARLOTTE FISKE BATES

First Line: BEFORE THIS MOUNTAIN BORE HIS WELL-LOVED NAME
Last Line: WENT PRAYER IN HOREB SILENCE UNTO GOD.
Subject(s): AGASSIZ, MOUNT, NEW HAMPSHIRE; MOUNTAINS; HILLS; DOWNS (GREAT BRITAIN);

BEFORE this mountain bore his well-loved name
Whose greatness runs through both the hemispheres,
Whose life-work, after death, but swells his fame,
Whose sudden loss set Science' self in tears, --
I stood upon it; now if I were there
Among the flocking thoughts would this one brood, --
Mount Agassiz! It must have known such prayer
As rose at Penikese where once he stood
Pleading with Heaven, yet uttering not a word,
Leading the face and spirit of that throng
On through an awe-hinged gate, that swung unheard,
Into His presence where all souls belong: --
So doubtless, here, with noisy words unshod,
Went Prayer in Horeb silence unto God.



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