1864

THE CENTENNIAL HYMN

by William Cullen Bryant

THE CENTENNIAL HYMN -

Through calm and storm the years have led

Our nation on, from stage to stage-

A century's space- until we tread

The threshold of another age. -

We see where o'er our pathway swept

A torrent-stream of blood and fire,

And thank the Guardian Power who kept

Our sacred League of States entire. -

Oh, chequered train of years, farewell!

With all thy strifes and hopes and fears!

Yet with us let thy memories dwell,

To warn and teach the coming years. -

And thou, the new-beginning age,

Warned by the past, and not in vain,

Write on a fairer, whiter page,

The record of thy happier reign. - -