THE WRATH OF THE 

 RIVER 



RacheIv L. Dithridge. 



The River-god comes raging 

 Where stately cities stand ; 

 And when his fury faints and falls 

 All desolate the land ! 



"Away, where my streamlets started 

 Ye have robbed me of my trees ! 

 I yearn for a grace departed, 

 For the voice of birds on the breeze. 



"I have given you faithful service 

 As I crept thro' valley and plain. 

 Though my quiet waters quivered 

 At the shriek of your thundering 

 train. 



"But ye have despoiled my birth-right 

 To build you the homes of men; 

 And now I descend upon you 

 To ransom my own again. 



"I will wreck the homes ye have 

 builded 

 With the forests hewn from my shore ; 

 I will take as toll your children 

 As ye took my wealth of yore ! 



"And at last when my rage is silent 

 And the sullen flood is o'er, 

 Forget not the wrath of the river 

 Lest I should return once more." 



The River-god comes raging 

 Where stately cities stand ; 

 And when his fury faints and falls, 

 All desolate the land ! 



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