USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > The Berkshire jubilee > Part 4
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It is this great and fundamental truth -that there is no true rest for the soul of man except in God that needs to be proclaimed at all times, and every where. Look at the restlessness of individuals and of society, look at the billowy ocean of the past as seen in histo- ry, and what does it indicate but that the true rest of man has not been found. See the world busy in let- ting down empty cups into wells that are dry, or drink- ing to " thirst again ;" see individuals passing through all the stages of poverty and of wealth, of neglect and of distinction ; see states assuming every form of govern- ment from the freest democracy to the most abso- lute monarchy, and yet there is, and there will be " overturning, and overturning, and overturning," till men find the true rest of their souls, and he whose right it is shall assume his spiritual and perfect reign.
Yes, it is to such a rest that we are invited ; and how
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE.
affecting is the motive by which the invitation is urged ! " For the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." And my friends, in view of what has been said, may I not urge this motive upon you? How much more when I call to your remembrance his Redeeming Love ! In the reason here given, we see how different is the temper of a good man from that of the children of the world. How common is the feeling that in our adver- sity we must go to God-that we will, when we have nothing else left to enjoy, seek him; but when we are in prosperity, how apt are we to lose sight of God and to rest in the enjoyment of his gifts. This is the great practical mistake, the infinite guilt of man, and the world never can be in a right state, till men can not only enjoy God in himself, but in his gifts; till they learn that the good gifts of God are best enjoyed, and then only answer their true end, when they lead us to him. Nothing can be more utterly false, or more disastrous, than this separation of cheerfulness and rational enjoyment from the remembrance and the presence of God; nothing can more dishonor him whose smile brightens creation, whose presence makes heaven. But thus is he dishonored. A necessary condition of the pleasures of the world is forgetful- ness of God. Like our first parents in the garden, men would hide themselves from him. The conscious- ness of his presence in the midst of such pleasures as they choose would be to them "as the shadow of death." His religion, the blessed religion of Christ, instead of being like the light, not indeed always the
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SÉRMÓN.
direct object of thought, but as an element pervading and irradiating all social intercourse, is regarded by them as the antagonist of their chosen enjoyments. From enjoyments of which this is the spirit, whatever may be the form, men who would be christians, truly such, must separate themselves. They must find God in his mercies; when he deals bountifully with them, their souls will return unto their rest. They can seek no enjoyment upon which they cannot ask the bless- ing of God. They can mingle in no scenes in which the remembrance of him would be unwelcome, and they must labor, and pray, and be content to be re- garded as over strict, till there is such a change in the moral elements, that reason, and conscience, and the affections, and taste, shall predominate over the pas- sions and appetites of men, and till men can enjoy the good gifts of God as dutiful children under the eye of an affectionate parent. It must be made to appear, it will be made to appear, that there is no antagonism be- tween the temperate use of God's gifts and the highest social enjoyment.
It was in the hope that this occasion might do something towards bringing forward a consummation so desirable, that I was willing to take part in it ; that, in connexion with this sacred service, I was willing to be the organ of my fellow-citizens to welcome home those who had gone out from us. And this I now do. Natives, and former citizens of Berkshire, I welcome you-not to bacchanalian revels, not to costly enter- tainments, not to the celebration of any party or
H
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national triumph, but to the old homestead, to these scenes of your early days, to these mountains and val- lies, and streams, and skies, to the hallowed resting places of the dear departed ; I welcome you to the warm grasp of kindred and friends, to rational fes- tivity -to the Berkshire Jubilee.
So far as I know, this gathering is unprecedented. More than any thing else in modern times, it reminds us of those gatherings of ancient Israel, when the tribes went up to Mount Zion; and if we look to the future, it cannot fail to remind us of that greater gath- ering, of that better home, of those higher joys which there shall be when " they shall come from the East, and the West, and the North, and the South, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God." With that great assembly may we all be gathered. Amen!
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PUBLIC EXERCISES.
5. ANTHEM. TUNE-Denmark.
Before Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations, bow with sacred joy ; Know that the Lord is God alone ; He can create, and he destroy.
His sovereign power, without our aid, Made us of clay, and form'd us men; And when, like wandering sheep, we stray'd, He brought us to his fold again.
We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs ; High as the heavens our voices raise ; And earth, with her ten thousand tongues, Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise.
Wide - as the world, is thy command, Vast - as eternity, thy love ; Firm-as a rock, thy truth must stand, When rolling years shall cease to move.
م
A POEM,
DELIVERED AT
THE BERKSHIRE JUBILEE, AUGUST 22, 1844.
BY WILLIAM ALLEN, D.D.
A POEM.
I.
The Sons of Berkshire here in mighty throng, And many drawn from home 'neath distant sky,- What heaves our bosoms with emotions strong ? What burning thoughts now kindle up each eye ?
II.
We stand amidst the scenes of early days :- Our brook and river, hill and mountain-height, On meadow, field, and lake once more we gaze, Which fill'd our heart in youth with pure delight.
III.
The Rainbow's wondrous arch first saw we here, On gloomy sky when setting sun outshone, -- Its hues of blue, and gold, and red all-clear,- God's sign no second flood the earth shall drown.
IV.
First heard we here the Robin's song of joy, Outpouring from the tree at early morn; The Bluebird here first charm'd our gazing eye, And sacred Swallow on swift wing upborne.
V.
Here first in infancy the look of love, Dearer than rainbow's hues, pure bliss conferr'd: Here first affection's voice, as from above, Struck sweeter on our ear, than song of bird.
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE.
VI.
Yon Saddle-Mountain in its azure hue, All-mingled with the thoughts and scenes of yore, Oh, with what joy it rises to thy view, Son of Pontoosuc ! at thy home once more ?
VII.
So every Son of Berkshire turns his eye To some old mountain-head, of much-loved form, Majestic rising in the cloudless sky, Or turban'd thick with drapery of the storm.
VIII.
And each reveres some venerable tree, Beneath whose shade was scene of sweet delight,
Like our Old Elm, which joyful here we see, Though lightning-ploughed, still towering in its height.
IX.
Where'er we wander, led by various fate, Whate'er of grace or grandeur there may be, There's nought elsewhere so lovely and so great: - Our heart, unwandering, Berkshire, turns to thee !
X.
Their Alpine heights sublime the Swiss may boast, In dazzling whiteness glittering in the sun; - 'Tis sterile grandeur, bound in ceaseless frost, And unapproach'd, like despot's dreary throne.
XI.
Beneath the tropic sun each wide-spread plain Of luscious fruits may heaviest burden bear; But asks the eye for swelling hill in vain, And pestilence is winged on evening's air.
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POEM.
XII.
Our mountains, wood-crowned, cheer the gazing eye,- Whence bursting rills in constant murmurs flow : Health vigorous walks beneath th' untainted sky, And peace and joy our heaven-bless'd dwellings know.
XIII.
We love the stream, the lake, o'erhung with wood, The fields of green and cool recess of grove ;- 'Tis symbol-scene of purer, sweeter good, Fore'er enjoyed in the high heavens above.
XIV.
We come to think of what our Fathers were,- Of Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, here of yore; To breathe again our Childhood's fragrant air, And Childhood's loveliest home to see once more.
XV.
We come to strengthen in our inmost mind Our child-learned principles, all good and true; And here to worship, in one band entwin'd, In Father-land our Fathers' God anew.
XVI.
As aged Jew his holy city seeks, Holding first place within his weary soul,
So, Berkshire! on our eyes thy splendor breaks, And wakes the feelings, that refuse control.
XVII.
Our Fathers' Sepulchres !- Are they not here, O'er many a hill and vale wide-scattered round? No more their venerable forms appear ;
But memory brings them from the turf-clad ground.
I
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XVIII.
We seem to see again their lofty brow, Calm and yet firmly fix'd; their steadfast eye, Yet beaming mildly; and their head of snow, With all their worth and reverent majesty.
XIX.
These mountain-circled valleys for their home
They chose, where silver lakes outspread are seen, Where rush the numerous streams and dash in foam, And Housatunnuk winds through meadows green.
XX.
The Red-Man's land they gain'd by purchase fair, And them by light of truth they sought to save :- The remnant now,-such fruits of zeal and care,- Have Christian home near Winnebago's wave.
XXI.
Here first, a hundred years ago and more, A Mission-School, on Housatunnuk's stream, To wilder'd men explain'd the Christian lore, , And cheer'd their gloom by heaven's effulgent beam :-
XXII.
Their Teachers Sergeant, polish'd and refined, His heart all-burning with a holy flame; And Edwards too, the man of mighty mind, The world's great teacher still,-illustrious name!
XXIII.
We glory in this spot, which gave us birth, Where first God's wonders burst upon our sight :- No fairer region doth the wheeling earth
Turn up from darkness to the sun's blest light.
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POEM.
XXIV.
How beautiful is Nature? How the eye Lights up with joy at all the varied scene ;- Hill, vale, and stream, and wood, and calm blue sky, The harvest field, and mead in living green ?
XXV.
And when the pulses of each tree are dead, Or beating feebly, checked by chilling frost, What gorgeous hues on every side are spread, Shaming the Italian pencil in its boast?
XXVI.
Nature is but God's glorious temple vast, With hosts of cheerful worshippers around :- And, while this temple stands, the song shall last, And earth shall hear and heaven reflect the sound.
XXVII.
The rushing brook, the tuneful, blithsome bird, The busy hum of insects on the flower, And solemn voice of grove, by breezes stirred ;- These are but hymns to God's eternal power.
XXVIII.
All Nature constant works to some great end :- The giant sun doth life and joy uphold; Dew, rain, and stream the richest blessings send; And verdant, blossom'd tree yields fruit of gold.
XXIX.
Amid these various scenes, O man, rejoice, And willing join in Nature's service blest :- 'Tis thine to raise thy clear, articulate voice, And of this host to stand as sacred priest.
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XXX.
Then, Son of Berkshire! who dost joyful move In beauteous, peerless temple of thy God, Lift up thy grateful, ceaseless song of love, And work for truth, and bear the fruits of good!
XXXI.
Amidst the charms of Nature they, who dwell, Where all is loveliness, and joy, and peace,- Ah, how can they such peace and joy dispel, And by their guilt such loveliness deface?
XXXII.
Where purest crystal waters murmur round, No turbid stream of vice should ever flow;
Nor float upon the air an evil sound, Where blithsome birds their melodies bestow.
XXXIII.
In such a temple, reared by matchless power, Ne'er should polluting thought or wishi intrude; But praises flow to God each circling hour,- The offering of the soul's deep gratitude.
XXXIV.
Not Tempe's boasted vale e'er shone so bright, With trees so broad, with grassy turf so green: Each Mountain form, uptowering in his might, Stands as the giant-guardian of the scene.
XXXV.
Old Greylock at the north uplifts his head, And kindly looks on Learning's vale below; And southward, Washington, of bulk outspread, O'erpeers rich plains, where winding rivers flow.
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POEM.
XXXVI.
Trace up thy current, Deerfield, to its source, And, Westfield, thine,-by smoke-horse travers'd now,- By many an arch bestrided in its course ;-
Your springs well forth from Berkshire's wood-crown'd brow.
XXXVII.
Then Hoosuc westward takes his joyful way, To mingle with broad Hudson's noble tide; While southward, where the ocean-monsters play, Flows Housatunnuk, river of our pride.
XXXVIII.
Thus Berkshire's Sons are scatter'd far and near, Each tide of good to swell, wherever found,- From Virtue's fountains starting pure and clear, And pouring blessings on our land around.
XXXIX.
Of men, who stir the eloquent debate
In legislative halls; of those, who weigh The right in scales of justice, and the State Know how to govern in an honest way ;-
XL.
Of strong-arm'd sons, who delve in learning's mine, And those with power to win reluctant heart; Of daughters too, whom taste and skill refine, Who weave the tale of truth with gentle art,
XLI.
Berkshire may boast ;- yet 'tis a nobler pride, That thousands of her unknown sons are wise, Contented with their lot, ne'er turn'd aside From holy path, that leads up to the skies.
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE.
XLII.
The heaven-dyed violet in its native shade Fragrance diffuses through the forest gloom: No flower in royal garden is arrayed Like our white water-lilly in its bloom.
XLIII.
No foot of slave e'er treads our sacred soil,- No culture here, compell'd by cruel blows:
We deem it health, and joy, and wealth to toil; 'Tis heaven's command, and heaven reward bestows.
XLIV.
None here the forms of industry deride :- All-glittering in the clod the plough to hold;
From liberal hand the seed to scatter wide,
And plant in many a hill the maize of gold :-
XLV.
To gather in the fruits, the earth hath borne:
The scythe to wield, where waves the grass in light; To ply the careful sickle; and the corn
To husk in merry mood ;- 'tis pure delight !
XLVI.
The herds, the fine-woolled flocks to feed and train; To watch the shuttle, as it quickly flies; Deep in the mine to trace the metal's vein, The rocks to quarry in the open skies:
XLVII.
In graceful shapes the marble blocks to mould And stubborn wood; the milky treasures press; Iron with strength of arm to turn to gold :- These various toils fail not to enrich and bless.
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POEM.
XLVIII. Poor, listless man of indolent repose, Of unknit frame and mind of feeble might ! Come, taste the good, which industry bestows, And work out health, and power, and sweet delight.
XLIX.
"Tis toil, that braces both the frame and mind :- In wrestling with the wind the tree grows strong; Mantled with green the stagnant pool we find, But pure the streams, which murmuring rush along.
L.
Is there a spot upon this earthly ball, Where brighter beams of truth are shed around, Where showers of heavenly dew more frequent fall, And richer fruits of faith and love are found ?
LI.
Is there a mountain-guarded vale below, Where many a thousand purer spirits move,- More bless'd with streams of good, which ceaseless flow,- With eyes more fix'd on glorious hopes above ?
LII.
Let not thy birth-soil waken evil pride, But rather kindly counsel bring to thee, -. That to this scene thy heart be full-allied, So Eden and its tenant shall agree.
LIII.
Ah, how canst thou withstand the influence here,- The incitements to all goodness, that abound,- The voice of Nature in its tones so clear, And all her lovelieess diffused around ;-
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LIV.
The memory of the illustrious, holy dead,- Their pure example drawing to the right,- Their winning words, their warning note of dread, Their final prayer, as fled they from thy sight ;-
LV.
The power of truth, that as a river flows, The heaven-ward summons of the Sabbath bell ;- Ah, how canst thou such influence here oppose, Yet hope with all the good in heaven to dwell?
LVI.
It is the Church, our paradise hath made,- The truth, the grace, the power of God on high ;--- The holy Church,-not in one dress arrayed,- But one in faith, in love, in piety.
LVII.
Beneath our soil is found the iron ore,- But iron strength of soul is better far: Our hills are marble pure,-but pure much more Is stainless beauty, bright as evening star.
LVIII.
Both strength and beauty, dignity and grace In Berkshire's peerless vale delight to dwell :- May nought such joyous harmony deface, Or charms of innocence and love dispel.
LIX.
Our Fathers blaz'd the trees along their way ;- No other path to this our heritage !- Their aim to find enlargement, and to lay Foundations solid for a future age.
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POEM.
LX.
The forest falls before their sturdy blows; Their shining plough-share revels in the soil: Full soon the desert blossoms like the rose, And plentifulness rewards their patient toil.
LXI.
Wealth was not all they sought; for they would train Their children in the path, which leads on high :- Hence quick the School-House rises on each plain, And sacred Temple points up to the sky.
LXII.
Nor trembled those brave men, when reckless foe Approach'd the northern entrance of their vale: They met him at the gate, and struck the blow, That turn'd the invader's boast to piteous wail.
LXIII.
Themselves descended from the Pilgrim band,
Who from the May-Flower stept on Plymouth rock,- The same their spirit ; and their strong right hand Freedom maintain'd, nor fear'd opposing shock.
LXIV. .
Their trust was in that good and mighty Power, Who turns the tide of battle from the strong; Nor fail'd their hearts, in many a sacred hour, To lift up grateful praise and holy song.
LXV.
Oh, height of Bennington! thy battle-field Witness'd the joyful triumph of the right: O'er sacred fire-side bliss it spread a shield, And taught the Hessian hireling freedom's might.
K
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE. -
LXVI.
Can they, who fell the forest, bend the knee, And crouch beneath a distant tyrant's nod? Can they, who breathe the mountain air so free, Quail to a man, as if he were a god?
LXVII.
Freedom, like temperance, loves the crystal fountains; At vain restraint, like rushing stream, she mocks: And, eagle-like, she dwells among the mountains In fastnesses of steep and thorny rocks!
LXVIII.
Shall we not catch our Fathers' patriot zeal, Which bore the battle-shock, the foe o'erthrown,- And like them ever seek our Country's weal,- Its light, and peace, and joy, and high renown?
LXIX.
No more may war's alarms be heard! no more May blessed freedom pay the price of blood! May Peace e'er hold her dwelling on our shore, And Righteousness be like o'erflowing flood!
LXX.
Ask we, as virtue's meed, for earthly fame,- The shout of mortal worms, who soon must die? Shall history bear the glory of our name Down to a dark, unknown futurity?
LXXI.
Of spirits lost and entered on their doom, --- The blood-stained heroes of our warring sphere,- In their abode in deepest dungeon's gloom Can earth's applausive notes e'er reach the ear?
81
POEM.
LXXII.
Give me a name, whose record is on high,- The honor, which by holy deeds is won ;- Give me the fame, which truly ne'er shall die, Imperishable as God's eternal throne!
LXXIII. -
Such is the fame our buried Fathers hold, Though few among them heard applauses loud: In silent path of duty they grew old, Then calmly were they wrapped in winding shroud.
LXXIV.
Yet lofty was their hope; and, as one said, When in the final conflict called to strive,- So felt they all, as breath and spirit fled,- " Say ye, I die ?- I'm just about to live! "
LXXV.
Oh, noble speech! My Father! it was thine,- First preacher here,-Pontoosuc's guide on high! How bright around did his example shine ? How fit the Pastor teach his flock to die ?
LXXVI.
Our Fathers! Should their names my lips recall, Ye sons of Berkshire, in your hearing now,- The magic words would every sense inthrall, While pride and love would sit on every brow!
LXXVII.
Ye bear their names :- O, then, their virtues bear ;- Self-sacrificing zeal for Country's good, Uprightness, kindness, truth, and temperance rare,- To law submission, and the fear of God.
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE.
LXXVIII.
Yet patriot-martyrs claim remembrance due :-
Williams, fair learning's patron,-name of pride,- Struck down, as victory to his banners flew,-
Hopkins and Brown,-these for their country died.
LXXIX.
Their grave was on the field, where warriors strove:
No chisell'd stone keeps record of their doom ;-
But in our reverence, gratitude, and love,
In Berkshire's heart they have uncrumbling tomb!
LXXX.
Full many a form now rises in my thought
Of heroes, who the beams of peace beheld,
Who shared the blessings, which their courage bought, And went down to the grave all-white with eld ;--
LXXXI.
Of venerable men, who by the scale
Of equal justice hush'd unworthy strife ;-
Of Christian heroes too, ne'er known to quail In contest for the truth and heavenly life,-
LXXXII.
Men, deem'd no idlers in their Master's field,-
Whose deep research, whose science, faith, and love, And fervent utterance of the truth reveal'd
The ransom'd souls,-their crown,-shall tell above.
LXXXIII.
But these to weave, with others, in my strain
Were task, to which no end would soon be nigh, For idle is the toil, the effort vain
To count the stars, which deck the evening sky.
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POEM.
LXXXIV.
Old men! I feel with you life's pulses fail :--- Full two score suns have made their circuit due, Since first in this my native, much-lov'd vale My trembling lips truth's silver trumpet blew.
LXXXV.
Where now the fair and good, then in my eye ? This day recalls them from the gloom of night: The past revives; the distant now is nigh; And shadowy forms come forth in memory's light.
LXXXVI.
Had ye a Mother ? Ye old men, white-haired! And on that mother's lap your flaxen head
It was your wont to lay ?- Now, unimpaired, Her face ye see; her form though with the dead!
LXXXVII.
Had ye a Sister, with sweet eye of blue, Loved as an angel in a by-gone day ?
In thought your lips are on her cheek anew,
Though 'neath the green-turf moulder'd all away !
LXXXVIII.
Had ye a Daughter in her freshest bloom ? Had ye a Son in youth's first dignity ? And have ye placed them in a lowly tomb ?- They live, they shine now in your aged eye!
LXXXIX.
In these past scenes ye live of grief and joy : From these to future ones your hearts go forth,- Your children's children gleaming on your eye,- New-springing forms of beauty and of worth.
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE.
XC.
And on your faith yet future scenes outbreak, To you and all the good and righteous given,- When ye and they, who sleep, from dust shall wake, With all God's holy ones your Home in heaven!
XCI.
If many a wild-flower in the forest dies, Think not, its form is lost, forever gone :-
'In beauty, at the spring's return, 'twill rise, From living root or safe-lodg'd seed new-born.
XCII.
Then weep not for the dead, the righteous dead, Though in a lowly grave their ashes rest:
Their spring will come; and from their humble bed In glory will they rise, forever blest!
XCIII.
O, day of hope! the broken heart that heals, And on the faded eye its beams outpours; Great day, which all deep mysteries reveals, And to the soul its treasures lost restores!
XCIV.
O, day of joy ! when all the ransom'd throng, Innumerous as the stars, that shine above, As " mighty thunderings" shall raise the song,- ' All glory to our God, whose name is Love!
XCV.
' And praises to the Lamb, the Word, the Son, With vesture cloth'd, all dipp'd in crimson blood!'- And thus the song through circling years shall run, As surges on the shore of ocean's flood.
S5
POEM.
XCVI.
Come, come, blest day! when buried ones again In beauty and in love shall meet our eyes, -- Our raptur'd voices mingling in the strain Of heaven's o'erjoyed, eternal harmonies!
XCVII.
The Fathers in their Children live again, In noble deeds and spirit, as in name,- (The past and future link'd in golden chain,-) Their steadfast faith, and zeal, and love the same.
XCVIII.
Where widely spread the shades of pagan night, And vice and doleful wo have fix'd their throne,- There have the Sons of Berkshire borne the light; There are they toiling, till their crown is won.
XCIX.
If one, a child of genius, I may name, Of my own flock a lamb in this green mead ;- Larned, though fall'n in youth, has deathless fame; And still for truth his eloquence shall plead.
C.
Daughters of Berkshire, where may they be found The holy teachers of their Master's word ?- Go, where the Turk, whom turban'd guards surround, Holds o'er a race of slaves his sharp-edg'd sword :-
CI.
Go, where in distant isles volcanic fires Break forth in torrents as of molten gold, And where fierce, savage men, whom truth inspires, The wonders of a Savior's love behold :-
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BERKSHIRE JUBILEE.
CII.
Go, where in western wilds the Indian race In furious troops are seen to rush along, And pierce the shaggy bison in the chase ;- An outcast race, the victims of our wrong :-
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