Complete poetical works of John Hay / [by John Hay] ; with an introd. by Clarence L. Hay [electronic text]

ATAVISM

O BEAUTEOUS daughter of a mighty race! In thy fair features and thy radiant eyes — Like bright clouds floating over brighter skies — The shadows of a glorious past we trace. Framed in the oval of thy perfect face Flit the pale belles of bygone centuries; A hint of lawgivers and jurists lies In that pure brow where strength is wed with grace. And looking on thy profile's symmetry A world-famed face across my memory comes, — 'Neath the slouched hat a watching eagle's eye, Where down the dusty line goes riding by, With blare of trumpets and hoarse growl of drums, Tecumseh Sherman marching to the sea.