Page:Australian and Other Poems.djvu/34

29 But what though Fame her charms deny While Fancy yields such precious store ! What, though thy past be starless sky ! Thy future's sun will glow the more.

Here, standing 'mid thy girding wood, I see yon city's limits bound — As Rome of old her Tiber's flood — Those mirror'd bays now circling round. And, gazing landward from the sea. The wild is chang'd, the desert gone, And vine-clad hill and fruitful lea Are vocal with the rustic song.

Again I turn to greet the wave, And ships unnumber'd stand array'd And men are there as strong and brave As ever flush'd in war or trade.

And, fairest sight ! o'er land and main Waves Freedom's banner uncontroll'd, And Freedom, chief of heav'nly train. E'er bounteous, squanders bliss untold.