Niagara Falls 



1854 I stood where swift Niagara pours its flood 



Into the darksome caverns where it falls, 

 And heard its voice, as voice of God, proclaim 

 The power of Him, who let it on its course 

 Commence, with the green earth's first creation; 



And I was where the atmosphere shed tears, 

 As giving back the drops the waters wept, 

 On reaching that great sepulchre of floods, — 

 Or bringing from above the bow of God, 

 To plant its beauties in the pearly spray. 



And as I stood and heard, though seeing naught. 

 Sad thoughts took deep possession of my mind, 

 And rude imagination venturing forth, 

 Did toil to pencil, though in vain, that scene, 

 Which, in its every feature, spoke of God. 



" The poem develops a pathetic prayer for sight; and employs much 

 exalted imagery attuned to the central idea that here Omnipotence speaks 

 without ceasing; here is A temple where Jehovah is felt most." 



1854 BROWN, David Paul. Upon being asked to describe Niagara. {In 



brown Springs, water-falls, sea-bathing resorts, and mountain scenery of the 



United States and Canada; . . . N. Y.: J. Disturnell. 1855. 

 P. 106.) 



Describe it! Who can ere describe 



The lightning's flash — the thunder's roll. 



Say what is Life, or what is Death, 

 Or paint the portrait of the Soul? 



Describe the rainbow in the spray, 



The rapids in their wild career — 

 Raging like ravenous beasts of prey, 



While all creation shrinks with fear? 



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