The Peak Between the Prairies 



Impassioned cataracts dashed, 



Frenzied, from hill to dell, 

 While giant cedars reeled and crashed 



Where Vulcan's thunder fell; 

 The war of waters raged 



Among the trembling trees, 

 And huge, gray boulders, disengaged, 



Were toppled o'er with ease 

 And tumbled down the steep 



To darksome deeps below 

 Where, through long centuries they sleep, 



Nor wake to weal or woe. 

 Now glow the high dominions 



With sheen of morning light, 

 As newly slipped from angel's pinions, 



Outreached in lofty flight; 

 Softly the white waves spread 



In seas of solar glow, 

 Gilding the hoary mountain's head 



For ages crowned with snow; 

 Enchanting vision, stay, 



Nor fade when I am old, 

 When steps are slow, and locks are gray, 



And sunset gates unfold ; 

 Follow me past the night 



Into the tearless day; 

 Wave thy angel-wings of white 



Till shadows flee away. 



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