26.12.2010, 15:32
GREATNESS OF ENGLAND.
Full long ere Europe knew the iron road,
The ' Railway ' thunder'd on our English soil ;
There was a trembling in the sea-girt isle,
Where ' Hercules ' or mighty ' Samson ' trod.
Heavy and swift ; for Nature bore our yoke
Far earlier than elsewhere : we freed the slave
To take the lightning captive ; hearts of oak.
Of closest grain, the stalwart and the brave,
Thrill'd at the touch of science ; letters lent
Their gentle aid to feed the hungry strength
Of British minds with genial nourishment ;
And still these powers bear rule throughout the length
And breadth o' the land. The thought is rife with pride :
Perchance the ebb comes next. We stand at full of tide.
Full long ere Europe knew the iron road,
The ' Railway ' thunder'd on our English soil ;
There was a trembling in the sea-girt isle,
Where ' Hercules ' or mighty ' Samson ' trod.
Heavy and swift ; for Nature bore our yoke
Far earlier than elsewhere : we freed the slave
To take the lightning captive ; hearts of oak.
Of closest grain, the stalwart and the brave,
Thrill'd at the touch of science ; letters lent
Their gentle aid to feed the hungry strength
Of British minds with genial nourishment ;
And still these powers bear rule throughout the length
And breadth o' the land. The thought is rife with pride :
Perchance the ebb comes next. We stand at full of tide.