LXV. United hearts have made united States! What could a single, separate State have done Without the arms of her confederates? Without their glorious leader, WASHINGTON! They stand united, but divided fall-- 'Twas union that gave liberty to all! Then, who would call mad Discord from her cell, To scatter poisons there where the world's manna fell! LXVI. Proud Venice, by her Doge's solemn rite, Was wedded to the wave o'er which she rose: Thence came her lions' all-surpassing might-- A greatness that 'twas glory to oppose. A peaceful pomp proclaimed her nuptial bands: Our Country's bond of States, and hearts and hands, Was signed and sealed before a world amazed, While, for her nuptial torch, red Battle's bacon blaz'd! LXVII. It was a bloody sacrament: Death came Unto the bridal, like a bidden guest, The Priestess, FREEDOM, had but bless'd the flame, E'er the fierce furies to the revel press'd: The storm grew dark--its lightning flash'd afar-- Murder and Rapine leagu'd themselves with War; Yet, proudly and triumphantly, on high, That eagle-guarded banner waved to victory. LXVIII. How fiercely flew that eagle o'er the plain! Then, Albion, sunk thy lion's lordly crest; Behold! again he shakes his brist'ling mane-- There is a serpent in that eagle's nest, Seeking to sting her, in the feint to help, And give her free brood to the lion's whelp-- She strikes the reptile, headless down to earth-- And thus may Treason die, let who will give it birth! LXIX. Last of the Signers! a good night to thee! Alas! that such brave spirits must depart: Peace to thy ashes--to thy memory A monument in every living heart. It gives the spirit strength, endurance, pride, A lofty purpose, unto thine allied, To muse upon thy glory--'tis to stand, As 'twere, upon thy hearth, and hold thee by the hand. LXX. And hear thee tell of thy illustrious peers Who stood beside thee, for our country, there, Fearless, amidst a host of pressing fears, And calm, where even Courage might despair. Ye staked, with this high energy indued, "Life, Fortune, Honor," for the public good, And made your "Declaration" to the world, And, to the tyrant's teeth, defiance sternly hurl'd. LXXI. Alas! the omen--in this awful hour, While Discord and Disunion rend the land! Did'st thou take with thee Freedom's priceless dower? Did'st thou resume the gift of thine own hand, And bear the affrighted Goddess to the skies? Are there no mourners o'er thy obsequies? None, who, with high resolves, approach thy grave? Or--flits a spirit there, that frights the modern brave?