Page:Maryland, my Maryland, and other poems - Randall - 1908.pdf/152

 From the throned summit of the Thousand Islands
 * Meek virgins of the sea;

Along their diadem of emerald highlands,
 * The death-song sobs for thee.

The gay magnolia musky-haired and tender,
 * Queen-dryad of the scene,

Snares, in its veil of flower-floating splendor,
 * Winged linguist of the green.

The bright-plumed cedar trails its daintiest pillow
 * For nectar-laden bees;

Kneels, by the lake, the tress-disheveled willow,
 * Lone Magdalen of trees!

The knightly oak, a bulwark swart and brawny,
 * Stands by its page the vine;

Or hangs its large, storm-gullied, cleft, and tawny,
 * Upon its spear, the pine.

A dreamy fleck of violet creations
 * Stare at the anchored clouds,

Or shrink to see the spectral cypress nations
 * Rise glittering through their shrouds.