Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By JohnHay

726 Christine

THE BEAUTY of the northern dawns,

Their pure, pale light is thine;

Yet all the dreams of tropic nights

Within thy blue eyes shine.

Not statelier in their prisoning seas

The icebergs grandly move,

But in thy smile is youth and joy,

And in thy voice is love.

Thou art like Hecla’s crest that stands

So lonely, proud, and high,

No earthly thing may come between

Her summit and the sky.

The sun in vain may strive to melt

Her crown of virgin snow,

But the great heart of the mountain glows

With deathless fire below.