Ode First, Composed by Paul Allen, Esq

Genius of Art when we survey, Thy works, our minds with rapture glow, The rising and the setting day Display thy wonders here below.

Our bosoms own thy magic power, Our native dignity we scan, And feel at every passing hour, The inborn majesty of man.

The massy pyramids that rise, And o'er the humble cottage frown, The lofty towers that prop the skies, Are monuments of thy renown.

Behold the savage quits his bow, Forsakes his wild ferocious clan, He feels the genial current flow, And mellows into social man.

Yon field of flax which summer gales, Wave as they sweep along the plain, Transformed by art to swelling sails, Shall waft our glory o'er the main.

Where mines of min'ral dark and drear, Lay cover'd with the mountain heap, Arts mighty Genius whispers here, Columbia's future thunders sleep.