Song of the Flume

I sought the shore of the sounding sea 
From the far Sierra's height. 
With a starry breast and a snow-capped crest, 
I roamed in a path of light; 
But they bore me thence in a winding way  
They fettered me like a slave, 
And as serfs of old were sold for gold, 
So they bartered my soil-stained wave. 
Lift me aloft to the mountain brow
Fathom the deep blue vein! 
And I'll sift the soil for the shining soil, 
As I sink to the valley again; 
The swell of my sorry breast shall bear 
Pebble and rock away, 
Though they brave my strength, they shall yield at length, 
And the glittering gold shall stay.