The Meeting of the Waters of Hudson & Erie
(Samuel Woodworth)

There is not in the wild world a Valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet
O the last rays of feeling and life must depart
Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart
Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my heart

Let the day be forever remember'd with pride
That beheld the proud Hudson to Erie allied
O the last sand of Time from his glass shall descend
Ere a union, so fruitful of glory shall end
Ere a union, so fruitful of glory shall end

Yet it is not that Wealth now enriches the scene
Where the treasures of Art, and of Nature, convene
'Tis not that this union our coffers may fill
O! no - it is something more exquisite still

'Tis, that Genius has triumph'd and Science prevail's
Tho' Prejudice flouted, and Envy assail'd
It is, that the vassals of Europe may see
The progress of mind, in a land that is free

All hail! to a project so vast and sublime!
A bond that can never be sever'd by time
Now unites us still closer, all jealousies cease
And our hearts, like our waters, are singled in peace



BL