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" Sweet sights, sweet sounds, all sights, all sounds excelling, 

 Oh ! 'twas a ravishing spot formed for a poet's dwelling." 



If we may conceive that the spirit of Drake hovers over this 

 gathering at the close of this beautiful May day, how his soul 

 must rejoice that this enchanted ground has been preserved 

 inviolate and is dedicated in perpetuity to all the people, not 

 alone of this great city, but of the world at large, for the 

 beauties of the Bronx bring pilgrims from everywhere. 



On the bank of the river which inspired his charming poem, 

 the Bronx Society of Arts and Sciences now dedicates one 

 verse in imperishable bronze, as a tribute alike to the poet and 

 to the source of his inspiration. 



Dr. Nathaniel L. Britton, Director of the New York 

 Botanical Garden and a member of the Drake Memorial Com- 

 mittee, presided at the gorge exercises. He next presented 

 Chairman Paltsits, who read Drake's poem on the Bronx. 

 which follows : 



BRONX. 



I sat me down upon a green bank-side, 



Skirting the smooth edge of a gentle river. 

 Whose waters seemed unwillingly to glide, 



Like parting friends who linger while they sever ; 

 Enforced to go, yet seeming still unready, 



Backward they wind their way in many a wistful eddy. 



Grey o'er my head the yellow-vested willow 



Ruffled its hoary top in the fresh breezes, 

 Glancing in light, like spray on a green billow, 



Or the fine frost-work which young winter freezes ; 

 When first his power in infant pastime trying, 



Congeals sad autumn's tears on the dead branches lying. 



From rocks around hung the loose ivy dangling, 



And in the clefts sumach of liveliest green, 

 Bright ising-stars the little beach was spangling, 



The gold-cup sorrel from his gauzy screen 

 Shone like a fairy crown, enchased and beaded, 

 Left on some morn, when light flashed in their eyes unheeded. 



The hum-bird shook his sun-touched wings around, 



The bluefinch caroll'd in the still retreat; 

 The antic squirrel capered on the ground 



