LAND of mighty lake and forest!
Where the winter’s locks are hoarest;
Where the summer’s leaf is greenest,
And the winter’s bite the keenest;
Where the autumn’s leaf is searest,
And her parting smile the dearest;
Where the tempest rushes forth
From his caverns in the north,
With the lightnings of his wrath
Sweeping forests from his path;
Where the cataract stupendous
Lifteth up his voice tremendous;
Where uncultivated Nature
Rears her pines of giant stature,—
Sows her jagged hemlocks o’er,
Thick as bristles on the boar,—
Plants the stately elm and oak
Firmly in the iron rock;
Where the crane her course is steering,
And the eagle is careering;
Where the gentle deer are bounding,
And the woodman’s axe resounding,—
Land of mighty lake and river,
To our hearts thou ’rt dear forever!