Part 18 (1/2)

Battered and forged by poverty, his iron spirit rose, Unbroken and undaunted by the world's derisive blows, Spurred on by opposition, through the sharp furnace leapt, Strengthened and sharpened--a great power--this king of railroads stept.

His life work in his vast results will long outlive the fame Of warrior, statesman, ruler, bard, and make his honoured name An inspiration for all time to prove what can be done By observation, force and skill--what deathless laurels won!

Take courage, sons of hardy toil, your iron spirits, too, By stern, unflinching industry, may some wise forging do, Which might yourselves enn.o.ble, and benefit your race, Who would in turn, with grat.i.tude, your names delight to trace.

He sailed a trackless, unknown sea in the vast realms of thought, Discovered paths to enterprise, with golden issues fraught, Which lent fair commerce fleetest wings, and spurred the heels of trade, And throughout Britain's pleasant land his iron highways laid.

Something there is in lives like these that stirs the soul of man, With irresistible desire to do the best he can; Like him, through dauntless industry, and n.o.ble, firm resolve, To aid life's wheel of progress more smoothly to revolve.

Thus may his grand career inspire the mult.i.tude to-day, Throughout the nation he has dowered all homage due to pay To the majestic mind and will of him, whose honoured name The British nation shrines anew, on the world's proud scroll of fame.

SPRINGBANK.

Dreaming before the cheerful fire, Cus.h.i.+oned in easy chair, Methought a troupe of fairies bright, So blithe and debonair, Trooped gaily in the dim lit hall, With buzz of tempered joy.

Four little fairy maiden forms Led by a merry boy, In robe of ermine, crown of gold, Dove-eyed Dora as Britain's Queen, Whose brown hair sprayed o'er shoulders fair, And wee feet peeped from satin sheen.

Clad in America's proud flag, Comes Liz with eyes of blue, Personifying with rare grace, Columbia's G.o.ddess true.

The two right heartily shake hands, By which 'tis understood That they were pledged, come weal, come woe, To dwell in brotherhood.

From the a.s.sembled groups around They hearty plaudits won, All feeling sure these nations could Brave the whole world as one.

Then as the prince of Eastern lore With mirthful mischief rife, Comes Harry pressed by love to kiss The princess back to life; The eyes soon ope beneath his touch; The maids in glad surprise See the prince break the fairy spell, And claim his willing prize.

Little Red Ridinghood comes next, Crying in sad despair: O grandma, what long teeth you've got!

What eyes! what s.h.a.ggy hair!

In this case happily the wolf Ne'er moved or spake a word; Perhaps he was too much ashamed To have his gruff voice heard.

Then to my wondering gaze appeared Old goody in her shoe, With all her numerous tribe that made Her not know what to do.

And next a lovely belle who caught All hearts as in a cage, And bearing up her graceful train A quite bewitching page.

Then the scene changed and nothing but A barrel, labelled ”flour,”

Appeared upon the mimic stage In that glad evening hour; When lo! from out the wooden tub A beauteous little sprite, Emerging kissed her tiny hands, The household _flower_ that night.

Then 'round a caldron on a grate To spoil the broth appeared, Five little dainty fairy cooks Whom _tout le monde_ now cheered.

Next came the awful family squalls, Which Granny vainly tried To stay with Winslow's stuff for which Full many a babe has cried; The stuff and rod were all in vain, The squallers loudly bawled; Granny, despairing, shrieked aloud, And all in chorus squalled.

And now ”the reign of terror” dire Was pictured by them all, Nestling most trustingly beneath An umbrella tall.

And still once more the scene was changed.

The fairy sprites so bright, In robes _de nuit_ with tapers lit, All sweetly sang ”good night.”

Good night, I cried; why, how is this; Things are then what they seem, And these sweet picture-paintings here Have not been all a dream?

For there's our doctor's pleasant smile, There the kind brothers Gale, And there the little happy group Who tableaw'd each sweet tale.