They snuff the breath of intervening seas, And know no more of London, but the man Ardent, competitive, and large of plan, Brings all his spirit to such marts as these; The porterage of sea and land is claimed, All common means we mend and multiply; Let not these bold preparatives be shamed, These energies of hope advance to die! O Art and Commerce, set the nations free, And bid the rites of war's proud temples cease! O power of steam! for ever may'st thou be A rolling incense in the house of peace! And all these vast consignments but increase Our sense of brotherhood and charity! |