By Broad Potomac's Shore

BY broad Potomac's shore--again, old tongue! (Still uttering--still ejaculating--canst never cease this babble?) Again, old heart so gay--again to you, your sense, the full flush spring returning; Again the freshness and the odors--again Virginia's summer sky, pellucid blue and silver, Again the forenoon purple of the hills, Again the deathless grass, so noiseless, soft and green, Again the blood-red roses blooming. Perfume this book of mine, O blood-red roses! Lave subtly with your waters every line, Potomac! Give me of you, O spring, before I close, to put between its pages! 10 O forenoon purple of the hills, before I close, of you! O smiling earth--O summer sun, give me of you! O deathless grass, of you!