Litchfield Enquirer

THE CENTENNIAL.
BY H. WARD.
A century's flight hath marked the age,
Since Justice with her sword and scales
First took her seat, with counsel sage.
Amid these quiet hills and vales,
Through that long vista o'er the stream
Of time, that flows with rapid tide,
What visions in the distance gleam,
To tell how vain is human pride!
The blast of war, the clang of arms,
Have oft resounded loud and long ;
And warriors, fired by Freedom's charms,
Have listened to the thrilling song
They fought and bled—Columbia rose
Sublime above the stormy vale,
The joy of friends, the dread of foes,
With glory that can never fail.
And far beyond the ocean's waves,
Contending nations have gone down;
The ivy twines above their graves,
Where perish sceptre, throne, and crown.
These quiet hills, these gentle vales,
Now richly clothed in summer's green,
Have smiled as now, when balmy gales
Swept o'er the undulating scene.
No rude alarms of hostile foes
Have echoed mid these green retreats!
But calm as yon bright lake's repose,
Peace reigned o'er all these rural seats.
Heaven bless the friends of early years,
And all who meet once more in joy,
Where Friendship here her altar rears,
To greet her sons without alloy.
[Republican.