WERE THESE THE FIRST DISCOVERERS OF AMERICA?

Though the ebbing ocean listens

To Ugondé's throbbing roar,

Calm the conquering flood-tide glistens

Where the river raved before.

So the sea-brought strangers, stronger

Than their Indian foes of old,

Conquered, till were heard no longer

War-songs through the forests rolled.

Yet the land's wild stream, begotten

Where its Red Sons fought and died,

With traditions unforgotten

Strives to stem Oblivion's tide;

Tells the mighty, who, like ocean,

Whelm the native stream, how they

First in far dim days’ commotion,

Wrestling, fought for empire's sway.

Hear the sad cascade, ere ever

Sinks in rising tides its moan,

True may be the tale, though never

By the victor ocean known.

Now the chant rings softly, finding

Freedom as the sea retires;

Loudly now, through spray-tears blinding

Throb and thunder silver lyres;

Silenced when the strong sea-water

To its great’ heart, limitless,

Rising, takes the valley's daughter,

Soothes the song of her distress.