Ode Second, Composed by Paul Allen, Esq

Cold was the earth and dark the skies, No vernal beauty bloom'd, The wild flower spread its crimson dyes, And barren heaths perfum'd.

Wide as an Angel's eye could ken, The tangling desart lay, And scarce the cottages of men, Would mark the length of way.

The hunger famished Wolf with ire, Would pace the shades of night, While children at the winter fire, Sat shivering with affright.

Mechanic Art! thy mighty hand, Dispels the midnight gloom, We view the heath with flowers expand, And bursting into bloom.

Let there be light, the Almighty said, And shook the vast profound, Dark midnight threw aside her shade, Creation sparkled round.

The hills with flagrance seem'd to breathe, The birds were heard to sing, While all creation blush'd beneath, The rosy-footed Spring.

'Twas by thine aid Almighty Art, The world beheld this light, And should thy heavenly beams depart, Would sink obscur'd in night.