A CENTENNIAL SONNET.

THOU patriot of the country's brighter day,

With thy stern dignity and steadfast eyes,

George Washington, awake! thy country cries, -

Thy country, nursed by thee in purity.

It has become a trade to take and pay

The price of shame in all its blackest dyes,

And statesmen stalk abroad, black living lies,

And votes are bought and sold, none saying nay.

O, couldst thou see the depth to which we sink,

Couldst thou behold the pride the wicked take,

The cool indifference of the better born,

I know not whether thou wouldst sadly drink

The bitter cup, and pray for our poor sake,

Or leave us to our fate, in bitter scorn.

B. W. W.