Behold, the somber pines have pitched their tents
At Shasta's base, like hosts of Night;
For aye besieging in his battlements—
For aye in vain—their monarch, Light!

Though seas dry up and empty deserts bloom;
Though races come and pass away
From earth, it still, it still is seen to loom,
And to flash back God's smile for aye!

Behold, the somber pines have pitched their tents
At Shasta's base, like hosts of Night;
For aye besieging in his battlements—
For aye in vain—their monarch, Light!

Though seas dry up and empty deserts bloom;
Though races come and pass away
From earth, it still, it still is seen to loom,
And to flash back God's smile for aye!