Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 2.djvu/143

 NEW HAMPSHIRE HILLS. 131

��NEW HAMPSHIBE HILLS.

��[Among the prominent men of the last generation, few are better known or more widely hon- ored tnan Governor Colby. Living In the quiet town of New London, he originated and carried on a variety of business operations, much in advance of his times. He was as active and success- ful in politics as in business. He held many important offices in town and state, and, in 1846, was chosen Governor of New Hampshire. His only daughter was educated at New London Academy, and became for some years, one of the most thorough and successful teachers our State has ever produced. She was afterwards married to James Colgate, Esq., one of the most distinguished bankers of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Colgate are widely known for their mu- nificent gifts to public institutions and private charities. Mrs. Colgate loves her native state. The following poetic tribute to the New Hampshire Hills, is from her pen:]

��New Hampshire hills ! New Hampshire hills ! Ye homes of rocks and purling rills, Of fir trees, huge and high. Rugged and rough against the sky With joy I greet your forms, once more My native hills, beloved of yore.

Engraved upon my youthful heart With keener point than diamond's art, I see you when the world's asleep And memory wakes, with fancies deep, Visions of scenes, though old, still new, Then lost in dreams, I gaze on you.

New Hampshire hills ! New Hampshire hills ! The electric sound my spirit thrills, With thoughts of childish ecstacies, And dreams of glorious symphonies, While now as then, I see you stand, Erect to guard our granite land.

I've watched you, at the early dawn, Before the shades of night had gone, Arrayed in robes of soft gray mist Before the sun your brow had kissed, Then laying this pure vest aside, Stand, nobly dressed in royal pride.

I've seen you in the moon's full light, When every dell was brought to light ; When rock and leaf and crag lay bare, Suffused with gleaming, glint and glare, Then blent with tints that knew no name, Thy hues and dies seemed all the same.

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