THE CENTENNIAL: AN INTERNATIONAL POEM, r .:■• ;v, > BY W- A. STEPHENS, Collector of Customs, Owen Sound, 0\:tario. AUTHOR OF "H/VMILTOX" AND OTHER P0KM8 ; "POETICAL GEO- GRAPHY," AND "LKCTURE3;" ALSO, 'M5IS0USSION WITH A ROMAN PRIEST ON PAPAL INFALLIBILITY." (iEoronto : HUNTER, ROSE k CO. 1878. 2M : K.-.-l^ ri^^y ^'OTICES OF THE PRESS. In RiilFERENCE TO THE POEM OF HAMILTON. " There is both original thinking and much poetic feeling in this effort."- Emiyraiit and Old Countryman, New Ym'k. " On a review of the contents of this volume, there is much that will call forth th-^ admiration of thv reader."— Pa tVcy Advocate. " Hamilton was published 30 years ago, and spoken of by us then in terms of great commendiition, and which received the encomiums of the press of Canada and the United iita.teH."~Kinyston British Whig, 1871. ,^ ,„ "The author has given us no little instruction, and a great deal of enjoym"':.t and amusement as well. 'The Lost Child' gives us a picture of a household in a time of deep anguish, but in the midst of all, we can see that it is a household were God is honoured. And in the faith thus impressed on his young mind, our author has lived." — Oivcn Sound Advertiser. " No one, we think, can read this volume without being struck with the fact that the author's genius is not of the ordinary character —indeed it '.equires an acquaintance with his peculiarities fully to appreciate 'aim. " The author is not content to take things as other people see them, but judges everything from his own stand -point— in fact, originality is a prevailing feature of his work. " We can safely assert that we never saw a lecture calculated to start the reader on so many trains of thought as ' Our Progenitors,' by Mr, Stephens."— O-weri Sound Times. "Who can read the * Infant Wanderer' without emotion? In- deed we have seen the tears trickle down the rough cheek as well as the smooth, while reading it. It was said by a gentleman in this town before a large company that he had never read a poem with as much interest as this."— Owen Sound Comet. NOTICES OF THE PRES^. 3 "The story of the * Infant Wanderer' is a very happy narration of facts of which the writer was personally cognizant. ' To my Mother.' Ther«i is a chastity and beauty about it which the lover of true poetry cannot fail to appreciate."— Co//tHf/?<;oorf Enterprise. " Some of the later poems show that Mr. Stephens' fondness for the muse is as strong and as ardent as it was in his younger days. He writes as vigorously as ever, and clothes his ideas in language choice and musical."— Toronto Telegraph. ■■'■ ' ■• - " It cannot be said that as literary compositions they are entirely faultless. It is but perfect truth to say that in many of the poems there is evidence of genius, and that the thoughts of the writer are never subordinated ta mere versification. We warmly commend it as a whole to our readers." — Toronto Leader. " I have read through the volume of ' Hamilton and Other Poemn and Lectures,' and take it altogether it is a remarkable book." This was said lu. gentleman of his ac(iuaintance by jVir. Lemon, a son of the late celebrated editor of the London Punch. Extract from an editorial in the Owen Sound Comet, with the caption ; 7. TlioMjMs Suggested on Heading W. A. Stephens' Book of Poems. " The blind old bard of Scio's rocky isle," gave his poetry to the world a' id the world has received it. Homer is no more, but the honeyed accents upon his verse have vibrated through all ages, and are repeated by every child of letters. How striking an example is this, of the permanent nature of the genuine Poetry. We quote from page 43 of Mr. Stephen's book, the following lines addressed to the Muse: — ■- h-vm'; " O muse ! what art thou? strange mysterious sprite, Who first invoked thee from the realms of light? . V ' '" V/hat happy bard first waked the living lyre. Didst he create thee, or didst thee inspire ? " ' Wert thou the creature of his fancy wrought To fulness by the fiat of his thought ;' Or dids't thou come to make thy being known, " While intellectual glory round thee shone, The lyre thy sceptre, and the mind thy theme. NOTICES OF THE PRESS. '' Dids't thon illumine in the olden time, The mind of Homer with thy light sublime. " Who roU'd in majesty the tide of song, Bright'ning in glory as it rolls along — In heavenly harmony through distant years, Bright and immortal as revolving spheres ? ' ' Now many names were saved by Homer's lyre, From blank oblivion ! his poetic fire Enshrined their memVies, and bequeath 'd each name, An everlasting legacy to fame. " Papal Infallibility as seen in the Light of Catholicism ; stated and defended by liev. M. J. Ferguson, Professor of St. Michael's College, Toronto ; and as seen, in the light of Revelation examined and exhibited by W". A. Stephens. This pamphlet of 70 page-i, contains a .spicy discussion of Infalli- bility and other Roman Catholic dogmas, and is well worth reading. A priest named Ferguson— of some fame u^ an orator— went to Owen Sound to enlighten the community on tl e doctrine of Papal Infallibility. He delivered an address, marked by Jesuitical adroit- ness and polish. W. A. Stephens, a clear headed man, a gifted writer, and migtity in the Scriptures, was one of Mr, Ferguson's auditors, and took the liberty of reviewing the lecture in ^^^he same journal in which it was published. This brought on a written discussion with Mr. Ferguson, in which the marked gentlemanly, dignity and polish, in which that priest Hrst appeared before the people of Owen Sound, was quite thrown off, and his character as a coarse-grained demagogue, is clearly revealed. Mr. Stephens in dignity, in logical ability, and scriptural knowledge, is immeasuredly his superior, and the quiet, good-natured way in which he deals terrific blows on the head of his antagonist, is both amusing and instructive. He took the oi portunity to bring forth much Scriptural teaching concerning Christ, His Church and Christian liberty. All who are interested in the discussion of the claims of the Papacy will find much that is interesting and profitable in this pamphlet. — Christian Standard of Cincinnati. NOTICES OF THE PRESS. The following is a copy of an Autograph letter from the Right Hon. Mr. Gladstone : - "11 Carlton House Terrace. " SiK,— I have to thank you for your courtesy in sending me a copy of your discussion on Infallibility with a Roman Priest. " I am truly glad to find that so lively an interest is felt beyond the Atlantic, on the questions raised by the Vatican Decrees : and that so many seem to reject the unfortunate and delusive notion that these decrees, and the ideas on which they rest, have now no power for mischief. And I trust that of the great energies which abound on the American Continent, a portion will be directed towards con- sidering what are the most solid and durable means for controverting them. "I remain sir, " Your most faithful and ob't. "W.E.Gladstone. "W. A. Stephens, Esq., , . " Owen Sound, Ontario. " ,v. . •;,.'• ci Vv ' r-f: THE AUTHPR HAD INTENDED TO DEDICATE HIS POEM TO A CERTAIN DISTINGUISHED AiviERICAN SENATOR; .;• 1 . B UT, HAVING CHANGED HJS MIND, HE BEGS LEAVE TO DEDICATE IT ®o t [] e Eeaber, HOPING THAT THIS INDISPENSABLE AND UBIQUITOUS INDIVIDUAL MAY DERIVE PLEASURE AND PROFIT FROM ITS PERUSAL. PREFACE. Excepting the war for Southern Independence, no event in American history, since the Revolution, has attracted more generally the attention of other na- tions than the Centennial. Notices and descriptions have appeared in all the journals of the world, and several books giving in- teresting and elaborate details and illustrations of the Great Exposition have been published. But I have seen no notice in the press of any Descriptive Poem, either published or in prospect, and I am not aware that any Descriptive Poem has been written upon any of the International Exhibitions of either Europe or America, so that mine may be looked upon as a Poetic Novelty, and, on this account, en- titled to some attention as an International Poem. I hit upon the stanza fortuitously, making the first verse while on the cars between Toronto and Hamil- ton ; I have endeavoured to do poetic justice to the various individuals and subjects I have sketched or referred to. I sent some extracts from the poem to the Countess of Dufierin, being sketches of some of the celebrated men whose statues and portraits were H PREFACE. shown at the Centennial, and among the rest, a sketch of the Governor-General, to which I received a kind reply, concluding as follows : — " Their Excellencies in thanking you for the com- pliment you have, in the poem, paid the Governor- General, wish you every success in your somewhat laborious but very interesting task." It has been, of course, somewhat laborious, and very interesting to myself, but as to whether or not the good wishes of their Excellencies have been re- alized as to my success, the Public must be the Judge. From the fact that several of my poetical pieces have been copied in the American and British press, I am led to hope that the " Centennial " will find its way to, and be favourably received in, both those countries. I may observe that one of the papers that thought my verses worthy of reproduction was the Scotsman, which is the acknowledged " Thun- derer " of North Britain. Owen Sound, Ontario, June, 1878. - W *" THE CENTENNIAL; AS internatio:n'al poem. We left the good City, Toronto, ; With tickets to cdriy us on to Where the world has been getting a shove, To where all the world has been goi^s;, To see what the world has been show^..g, At the City of brotherly love. The weather was mild and propitious, We paus'd at the City ambitious, Where we lunch'd in a vigorous mood — At a snort from the horse, fed with firing That travels without ever tiring, We started off, just when we should. Soon we reached the bridge, call'd Suspension, Sustained by the marvellous tension, , Of cables on pillars made fast ; The' firm in their ponderous power, This passenger somewhat did co.ver And felt safe when the gulf we had pass'd. The twilight had come and was going, The night into darkness was growing As we cross'd 'tween Niagara's high walls, Long the world has expended its wonder, On the volume, the foam and the thunder Of its mighty and marvellous Falls ! 10 THE CB,NTENNIAL We have now left the Lion so regal. And entered the home o. the Eagle, A great and a glorious land ! May the white dove of peace spread her pinion 'Tween this and our own wide Dominion, That has also a destiny grand. I asked the people round me sitting, The question their attention hitting Both those in pantaloons and gown, If they earth's biggest town could mention, They had the usual comprehension, But failed, I answered, Yankee Town. We roU'd through the dark until dawning, When after the night came the morning, And we saw the famed valley of coal : Its cities, its forests and fountains, Its villages, meadows and mountains. As the cars dashed along to their g jal. At Phila 'A ■ in dusk. But Christ yet lives, His word still livinL', Is hope and life to sinners giving ; Although you kick against the goads, And His bless'd rule are disavowing. The time will come, when crush 'd and howin.r His foes must find their dark aboiles ! "" Can any skeptic who has written 1 In France, America or Britain, Or anywhere where skeptics grow ; With all their boasted wit and science. Tell us one word that's worth reliance, As to where the dying go ! Though conscience asks, intensely yearning Shall mind unto its dust returning E'er rise again above the sod ? • i The skeptic's answer is negation, A doubt his only revelation. Whilst spurning that which came from God. Not one, from Rousseau, down to '. yndall One single spark of hoi)e can kindle, ' For solace in the dying hour. There, there's the place to test your thesis ! > All doubt and darkness yours,~but Jesus, ' Looks on his friends with love and power. Grave, Where's thy triumph now, when dying Ihe saint can say, on Christ relying, And where, Death, is now thy stin-'- ? 1 he strength of sin is law when broken, ^ Christ has fulfilled it, God has spoken. And now He reigns the saviour King. 20 THE CENTENNIAL : When Tyndall from the heavens flinging Sun, moon and stars, and darkness bringing. By his grand scientific nod ! He may declare the christian's Bible, A fraud, a fiction or a libel. Till then it is the word of God. — There was in England once a Tyndall, How the mere scientist must dwindle, Compared with him who gave to God, Himself his work a whole oblation ! To give the Bible in translation, Then seal'd his mission with his blood. Now see this model of a steamer, With its cordage, masts, and streamer, And its iron coat of mail ! When the first two iron-plated,* Met and fought as was narrated. The world all wondered at the tale. Since then in almost every nation The iron clads for devastation, Or for defence are building fast. But none since then afloat or grounded, By each other have been pounded, t To this tho' they must come at last I For all these ships are built for fighting, For war all desolating, bliuliting ! These iron monsters must be tried, — With guns aud rifles, swords, revolvers ; They will be found fell war involvers — All made to kill in hate or pride. * The Ericson and Merri^nac at Richmond. t Thib was written before the Russian and Turkj ih war. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM: 21 Diplomatists by talking, writing, Oft try to keep the world from fighting, While building ships and making .irms — A war was stopped by arbitration, Each trusting to a neutral nation, That put an end to war's alarms. 'Twas thought, in future times and places, 'Twould be adopted by our races, As a most glorious precedent, But in the East that's not the story, For revenge, or land, or glory ! On bloody war the East is bent.* Sailing on the mimic river. With shield on arm and with his quiver. His sail filled by a gentle breeze, While the squirrel his attendant. On the mast, quite independent, Looks well at home, and at his ease. With Hiawatha, the creation, Of Longfellow, whose narration, Of wondrous things he made him do, Has given him a world-wide glory, Behold him (ye have read the story) Sitting in his light canoe ! Spain, the chivalrous old nation. First led the Western emigration. To this wide undiscovered land Columbus, with sublime devotion, Had pushed his keel across the ocean. The first to find its seagirt strand. Since then, mankind have worked and striven, And four Centennials have been given. Unto the lifetime of the world. This was written before the Turko-Russian war. sit THE CENTENNIAL And the Atlantic channel crossing, A million ships htive braved its tossing, All with their sails and flags unfurled. Spain, like the rest, with fair ambition, Has come to meet the world's attrition, With her selected works and wares. Alfonzo, her young Bourbon scion, Has sent his likeness for a lion ! All worked in silk, he grandly stares ! And llussia, sends, to show the million, ■ That unique and grand pavilion ! That's all of India rubber made. With soft voluptuous seat and cushion, That might have suited ancient Sushan, When Esther on the bed was laid. ' And from her steppes, all vast and frozen, For costly robes, she, furs has chosen Which nobles and her princes wear Oft when in palaces or sledges, ' ' Caught ou the land or glazier's edges. Seal, sable, or the polar bear. These animals in their own clothing, You see around, almost supposing, That they are living — so like life ; Their furs and forms all perfect showing, As when they were alive and growing, Before they felt the trap or knife. But our Dominion, now with credence, For finest furs will claim precedence, Over every other State, In beaver, buffalo and otter, In bear, and seal, {aquatic squatter), And other kinds both small and great. V ') AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 23 Ontario in education, Is not surpassed by any nation, Or in the old world or the new. This is admitted by the many, That she was fully up to any, To take her exhibition through. And full number two, she classes, (None but Michigan surpasses) In the show of autumn fruit, , And for machinery, cattle, cereals, , ,>. She showed grain, stock, and good materials, For these, her fame has taken root. Here's New South Wales, with gilded Hymala! Of all her gold, a bright fac-simile ! One hundred fifty million D's, * • The product of good luck and, labor, All gained by toil and fortunes favor, In this new land beyond the seas. -'^ . But now we'll take a look at Sweden, She's too far north to be an Eden, But fanaed for iron work and steel, Of which is made that massive column ! Great in height and large in volume ! Of her metalic wealth the seal. And here you see her trav'ling striver. The harness'd Rein-deer with his driver, Safe sitting in his snow coMoe I Tiie Rein-deer through the snow surrounding, And o'er the frozen surface bounding, All fleet of foot in service true. And Norway, near the Arctic Ocean, Set her machinery in motion * Dollars. 24» THE CENTENNIAL: To till her own Centenn al space ; With cordage, fishing apparatus, Woolens and toys, to show her sti.tus In this great commercial race. Here Norwich has pavilion glories, Supreme it stands in art victorious, Its classic roof aloft it rears, A standing and a telling wonder. And no one thinks to rate it under, Anything that here appears. 'Tis made of iron, chaste and handsome. With arch, verandah, shaft and transom. And ornaments all rich and rare ; On roof and arch, floor, spandrel, column, Which to detail in lyric volume, The reader's patience might not bear. In spandrels rich, with has relieving. Birds and flowers together weaving, The daisy, pheasant, rose and lark, And other birds with sweet narcissus. And butterfly and bees and fishes. And fir and hawthorn, flower and bark. And then, to eye and taste appealing. You see its grand and brilliant ceiling. Adorned in the chrysanthemum type, Both geometrical and floral. It would be worthy of Balmoral, Or any bower where art is ripe. See here are needles by the million, From where they make them by the billion, The best that's shown in any land, Each made by six score operators, All dexterous manipulators, Well trained to use the eye and hi nd. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 25 In drawing, boring, cutting, pointing. In scouring, trimming, stamping, counting, All with machinery so fine, From Smith & Son, England, Worcester, Shown to the world to interest her, A wonder in the needle line. Belfast, the birth-place of the poet, Although he left too young to know it, Has sent lier Irish linens here. Her exhibition is so ample, Of choicest styles and finest sample, She competition need not fear. See now, that bright bespangled feather, Six hundred gems whose light will never, By time be dim'd, all brightly gleam, With the Brunswick diamond glc wing. Tiffany, New York, the treasure snowing, To be of praise the brilliant theme. And see the silver vase that's given To Bryant, who has grandly striven. With success for the muses crown, His likeness is entwined with laurel. This poet's fame all green and floral. To future ages will go down ! See there, a statuary grouping. Some quite erect, and others stooping, Are giving us a stable scene, A new-born Infant in the manger, While upon the royal stranger, The shepherds gaze with wondering mien. And here, you see the eastern sages, (All so honoured through the ages), Have come to worship Judah's king. 26 THE CENTENNIAL First homage from a Gentile nation. But not alone their adoration, But also costly gifts they bring. Some, are these two scenes confounding Distinct in time and in surrounding, Impossible to be the same. It was the birth-night of Messiah, The shepherds heard the angels' choir, And to see the Infant, came. But, guided by the wise men's saying, 'Twas two years after that the slaying Of the martyr'd babes took place. The error cannot cause a schism, Or make, or modifv an ism. So they may yield with pleasant grace. I There, monster mirrors girt with gilding, J Duplicate the show and building, But your own figure intervenes. You cannot see what's right behind you. I mention this just to remind you, To move, and you'll get all the scenes. With a radiant crown upon her, Standing there's a mild Madonna, With hers, and God the Father's child : The Pope has made her Queen of Heaven, And there to her a crown has given. Mother of God she has been styled. The Bible tells us, she was human, A highly favoured, blessed woman. To whom none prayed nor thought divine, If any power to her revealing, Would show the many million's kneeling To her as God before her shrine. ;, j AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 27 Oh ! what were her surprise and horror, If Paradise could have a sorrow, How struck with pity she wouhi grieve, To see them all with upturned feature, Forsaking God to serve the creature, Led by their teachers to deceive. And there's a statue, called a Jesus, Worshipped as per papal thesis, Upon its breast a " bleeding heart," If Pilate from his legal station Had ordered such a mutilation. As of Christ's punishment a part, To have his heart cut out, all bleeding, (No son aw of his brethren, heeding). And have it fastened on his breast, Oh ! would it not have been another, Stab, that was to pierce his mother Already by deep woe oppressed. AH image-worship is a sinning, 'Twas ever so since the beginning, And brought down Heaven's avenging rod, But one exception, He is giving. It is to worship Christ, the li ig, Image of the invisible God. By whom all things have been created* As is in Heaven's book narrated Of things invisible or seen. Thrones and dominions, princedoms, powers. And all that sinks and all that towers. All that is now, and what has been. See, there's the Pope, with triple coping, Upon the canvass, millions hoping, * CoUossians, 1, 15-16. 58 THE CENTENNIAL And he to hope no doubt would fain, (Nothing wiser of iiis schooling,) That he as monarch will be ruling, — And his old kingly crown regain. See, there's the biggest ream of papei', And this saying is no vapour, 'Twill make three hundred thousand notes- Three hundred thousand letter-writers, Might use their pens and brain inditers At once, in office, house and boats. To send on business, news or pleasure. With drafts, .r cards, or dnns or treasure, Or tell of 7/eddings, deaths or birth, Or tell of love and ask requital — To every one a question vital, All these to all parts of the earth. Some would write to beg or borrow, Some, to ease their pent-up sorrow, Some, in ^'mpathy and love. Some, about a cause on trial. Fearing laws avenging vial. Some glowing, write of things above. The pen, what universal power. It holds exerted every hour, And chief when given to the press. It holds ubiquitous dominion ; It forms and guides the world's opinion. As wrong or right to ban or bless. And there, the holy twelve are painted, With whom the world is all acquainted, As Christ's Apostles to the race, To tell them the marvellous story, Of Jesus, who now reigns in glory ' And rules in the Kingdom of Q mce. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 29 The earnest artist aimed at giving, Their dress and stature as when living — These friends and brethren of the Lord, Girt with the strength of Juda's Lion, They are to have twelve thrones in Zion, And judge the tribes, as saith the word. And now, we'll see how China classes, In her own lines she all surpasses. Hu Quang Young, long known to fame, Has sent a most r.nique collection, E :h article in art perfection, " All China small boy know he name." With large developed money hanker, He is old China's richest banker. He sent his nephew Wu Ying Ding, A mandarin who ranks 'mong scholars, To represent the man of dollars, And his museum here to bring. Now look — your fancy's scope expanding, At those brilliant models standing, In miniature, nine storys high, All showing China's style of building, With their ornaments and gilding, And well arranged to take the eye. These models here, are used as cases, For costly things, and here are vases, Of rich and exquisite designs ; With ear-rings, jewels, ancient china, Aquariums, bronzes — nothing finer, In keeping as celestial lines. And here, they have the samples showing, Of all the teas in China growing. Used in the ttja-pot's fragrant flow, 30 'HE CENTENNIAL. Full fifty kinds, or plain, or scented, Unto the view are here presented. From common hyson to pekoe.' Green teas they say, are green'd by poison E'en best imperial or hyson, And think, us foreigners are green, Such a course as this to follow, '--'m ''■< As of choice to poison swallow, ** Such fools in China are not seen." Boldly to compare and measure With the world here's Egypt's treasure, From the margin of the Nile. Industry is still in motion In the ancient land of Goshen, And here's a monstrous Crocodile. ' If creed and politics are rotten, She grows abundant crops of cotton, Abundance used to fill her horn. Of things of war and things pacific, She seems to be in both prolific, And in Egypt still " there's corn." CAPE COLONY AND THE GOLD COAST. These Colonies have too, a showing, With diamond, gold and ostrich glowing. The ostrich here is tame as hens. They use an ostrich incubator. Which hatches out as well as nature And not by single ones, but tern. Now, with heart and mind expanding, Japan, at last, allows of landing. And trading in her island Ian is ; AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 31 'Till late the monarch, as coast- warden, Had kept a close commercial cordon 'Gainst foreigners as pirate bands. But now, she finds there is no danger In welcoming a foreign stranger, Or visiting in foreign states : To see and to be seen by others. Each, as frifudly human brothers, With int.est in their mutual fates. And here, to show this is her feeling, 8he brings her wares and goods, revealing Her finer and mechanic arts. Giving and taking commendation, To and from each friendly nation, Which pleasantly both meets and parts. That she sliould be an Eastern Britain^ In Heaven's archives may be written, That she should have the Christian light, That eve.' purifies and blesses Every one whom it possesses. And dissipates the moral night. When she shall have the words of Jesus, To supersede the Pagan thesis, And that she shall to other climes, Send forth the Bible in translation, And make the Gospel proclamation, God send Japan these happy times. GOVERNMENT BUILDING. We'll now to the Hall of the Nation, The Government's special creation. To show their great power for defence. 32 THE CENTENNIAL Here the national heirlooms collected, Are looked at, admired, and inspected, By the on-moving crowd so immense. Here are grouped the Indian races, With clothes of skins and copper faces, And with their native bow and speitr. In life-like statues sternly standing, With haughty eye and mien commanding- There are no living Indians here. The Indian cares not for the story, Of this great Centennial's glory. For him here, is no glory found. And much he fears ere next arriving, The grasping pale-face Avill be striving, To get liis furthest hunting grounds. — See here, is Washington's old armour ! Hero, patriot and farmer, By his grateful country shown. Who led to victory her legions, Until through all her harass'd regions, The enemy was overthrown ! Who then by recent strife restricted, Could e'er have thought, much less predicted ? Yon youth yet scarce to manhood grown While solemn mem'ries round him hover'd, Would seek his grave stand there uncover'd, And he the heir to George's throne ! That he should leave before his going, A green memento, living, growing, An oak, fresh planted by his hand, To be to coming generations, A pledge of peace between our aations, And record of a scene so grand ! AN INTEHNATIONAL POEM. 33 His parents both, no doubt commended, Their son's kind act in which was blended, True magnanimity and grace To best of human instincts loyal. Christian, noble, princely, royal, And which oblivion can't efface. His good illustrious sire, then living A grandeur to the throne was giving, And loved and honord by the race. But shortly after he departed. Leaving his consort broken hearted, The world could not supply his place. There'd been a national commotion, Had Albert lived and crossed th*^ ocean, To see this internation fair. Offspring of his great exposition. — To found the system was his mission Such glorious fruit as this to bear ! And here I'd say in admiration, Of this greatly favour'd nation. That they too love our gracious Queen, And say, as sovereign, wife and mother, That history has shown no other, Who has a shield of clearer sheen. Two Georges held the highest station. Each in his own dissevered natioa, The English George felt sore defeat. Not often does the British Lion, Give up what he has foot and eye on But here the loss was felt complete. The Lion lost by his not heeding. That 'twas a cub of his own breeding. Who had rebelled against his sire— 8 8^ THE CENTENNIAL The old one witli stern indignation, Determined on harsh flagellation, And this but roused the young one's ire. The youngster had his father's nature, All firm of will and strong of stature, Besides, he fought in his own den. Here o'ft they met in fiercest fielding. But the young one all unyielding, Had gained the victory and then, They made a truce — The war was ended, And what was done could not be mended. The young one had for freedom struck. The old one, sullenly retiring, Could not, however, help admiring. His youngsters bravery and pluck ! But he who rules in earth and heaven, And who to man his bounds has given, In this has ordered all things well. He made a second British nation, To aid the world's emancipation, And freedom's votaries to swell. 'Twas better for our own Dominion, That here the Eagle spreads her pinion, For British Lords were slow to tintl, That British subjects there transplanted. Should have the fullest freedom granted, To rule themselves as they'd a' mind. We have that now by charter royal, And we are quite as true and loyal ! As any in the ancient realm, To our good Queen and would defend her If trial came and " no surrender ! " We'd blazon on our flag and holm ! AN INTERNATIONAL POKM. 86 Now here they meet in kindly feeling, Each the latent love revealing, That warms in those of kindred vein, Well knowing that, none but a scion, From the stock of the old Lion, Long such a struggle could maintain. See here are objects new and hoary, From ev'ry state and territory Between the oceans east and west. From Mexico to our Dominion, With birds of ev'ry plume and pinion. And beasts in their own clothing dress'd. Taken in native glen and prairie, In mountain, valley, rock and eyrie. And here the government has brought To show each faculty and function, Both in contrast and conjunction. The things that war and peace have wrought. And here's exhibited dissection, An open body for inspection. That yon may all its organs see. Heart and stomach, lungs and liver. — One weak in nerves, will slightly shiver. To think there's just the same in me. The Bureau doing signal service, Foretelling storms that make us nervous. Was organized by Gen'ral Myre.- - With self-regist'ring barometer, Thermometer and anemometer, ' And rain gauge and electric wire. Three times a day at all their stations, Each makes the nicest observations ; All noting fully ev'ry change 96 THE CENTENNIAL In wind, rain, snow, evaporation, The mercury's falling or inflation, From most minute to greatest ran"-e. With instruments all automatic, Then, as per orders strict emphatic, At Washington they get the sum, From which examined altogether. They probabilitise the weather, And when, and where, the storm will come. And this, or hope or fear inspiring, They send to all the world enquiring. Which shown in print throughout 'the streets, lell lady, gentleman, diud feller. When they should carry an umbrella. And sailors when to furl their sheets. These tempest currents have their fountains Otten among the Rocky Mountains, Which starting from their granite scalps, Are sent away with force gigantic To sweep across the broad Atlantic, With greetings to their kindred Alps. Froni our Columbia, here they're showing, A ship that was a tree when growing, 'Tis eight feet wide and sixty long'l It has no seams and needs no caulking, And it had ne'er a deck for walking. And is one timber sound and strono- This chief in nature's great plantations lad seen the rise and fall of nations, As many centuries had pass'd, / While it had felt the tempest blowing. Which could not cause its overthrowing. But axemen brought it down at last— AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 37 See yonder, our Canadian Shanty, First domicile of a new grantee, With scant supply of household goods, A rustic yard and fences bound it. If stumps and forest were around it, We'd have a settler in the woods. Who now can hazard a conjecture, What this old forest architecture, For our wide continent has done. 'Tis always found with pioneering, And always slowly disappearing. As wealth and comfort have been won. 'Twas shanty-men laid the foundation Of this great and grovi^ing nation, By their firm energy and thrift. If shanties had not been erected, Who e'er would cities have projected , Where palaces their turrets lift. I have known in all its phases, Shanty-life which is the basis. Of a. the settlers' future goud. For there takes place the primal tussel, Sustained by energy and muscle ; In clearing off the forest wood. All settlements have had their shanties, Where wives and children, sisters, aunties, Have help'd to aid or cheer the toil Required in clearing and in fencin^r, Every one this way commencing. To bring his food from out the soil. And I would ask you, while you glory In your mighty nation's story 1 From days of Raleigh and of Penn, 38 THE CENTENNIAL To think, what would have been its station. And how ditf' rent the narration, If there had been no chanty-men. We'll leave the shanty now and wander, Unto the tropics over yonder, To see within the floral hall, The plants from lands that ne'er had snowing, That safely here are grandly growing, Although with us 'tis chilling falL For here a climate artificial. Produced by those appointed special, Gives them a little Torrid Zone, In which each plant, however tender. Has here from cold a safe defender. As in that clime where it was grown. MACHINERY HALL. The Krupp Gun, a piece of artillery, For defence, what a mighty auxiliary ! Its bullet exceeds half-a-ton ! Fifteen miles is its radius of ranging, It would not be pleasant exchanging. Such bullets with such a great gun. If then, of its force you're inquiring — 'Twill pierce through two-feet of cold iron, Which no metal clad could withstand. To what is the war genius coming. When bullets like these are sent humming, As by a magician's fell wand. And here is the great aggregation, Of machinery from every nation All driven by one monstrous wheel ! Where are made to your order and liking. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 39 All whirring and whizzing and striking, Their products wood, iron and steel ! And see this Corliss Engine Tower, Of fourteen hundred horses power ! Just fancy, fourteen hundred nags, All hitched and harness'd, stretching, striving, To drive what one steam valve is driving, And does with ease and never lags. And think, what an amount of breeding, Of shoeing, harnessing and feeding, There is about seven hundred span. What hostlers, driving boys and bosses. To match this single steam colossus. And this is more than they all can. The great American Ulysses* Who public duty never misses, First touched the monster into life Since then it has been daily working And without either jar or jerking, With power and perseverance rife. And see, how those force-pumps are going, Filling yon tank to overflowing. From which comes that great waterfall ! And see those jets, now upward dashing ! All hissing, curving, sprinkling, splashing ! The finest display in the hall. See here, four mules, all standing steady. In splendid harness, hitch'd and ready,— Say, would you like a dashing drive ? You need not fear to mount the carriage. Although you're on the tour of marriage. For theie good mules are not alive. * Grant. 40 THE CENTENNIAL See that street-sweeper, with its scraper, 1 shant describe it here on paper. It truly is a great machine. — And there's a ten-ton roadway roller, Heavier than a mammoth's molar Or grinders on what comes between. " Come, look at me " with voice commanding, Says that column stately standing, " For I have come from many lands" From where my owners e'er could find stones To suit, for I am made of grindstones, To turn by water, steam, or hands. And there's an ice-plough, what a scratcher ! It cuts along like planing matcher. The coulter scraping through the ice. Unto the bottom it will burrow, Making any width of furrow. Which you can crack in pieces nice. And there's a pump, 'tis said 'twill really. Lift four million gallons daily. Just let us think of this awhile, 'Twould fill one hundred thousand barrels— If this were grog, what wars and quarrels, There'd be in such a fearful pile ! We'll now see the women's pavilion, 'Tis made like the rest for the million, Where ladies of genius and skill, Have united their feminine forces, To bring out and show their resources The produce of patience and will. Therd'a lolanthe, made in buttei*/ That's very queer, some one may mutter,— 'Tis true as anything in books, AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 41 With graceful tresses, bust and feature, She seems a sleeping, living creature — Made by a lady, C. S. Brooks, You don't see any one that's fatter, Model'd with a butter patter. And some little sticks, 'tis said, There is no lady here looks sweeter, Don't you feel as you could eat her, If you had enough of bread — And now in another direction, We'll go on a walk of inspection, To the fam'd Agricultural Hall. Where farmers ot every nation, Have sent for the world's approbation, The products of summer and fall. You see here, by each ripened sample, How goofl and how rich and how ample. The treasures that spring from the soil, So that man while his face is perspiring. As the sentence of old is requiring, Can rejoice in the fruit of his toil. While efforts of skill and invention, Are doing as was their intention, Making lighter the labour of man, To lessen the terrible tussle, 'Tween labour and sinew and muscle, That has been since labour began. Ari here, we admiringly wonder, How matter by mind is brought under 1 And forced to obey its behest, Wiiilst muscles of wood, steel and iron, Will labor long nours without tiring, Or ever applying for rest. 42 THE CENTENNIAL : Machines here for drilling and sowing, For reaping, and raking, and mowing, All which they do quickly and well. While by the inventor's contriving. The farmer can sit while he's driving, His horses sleek Charley and Nell. See this machine so widely noted. The best extant it has been voted. And is the Farmer's "harvest pride." For if the crop be straight or tangled, 'Tis cleanly cut and never mangled, And the grain laid side by side. And it is just as good for mowing, No matter how your grass is growing, It cuts it quickly close and clean ; 'Tis proved the best at this Centennial, And its fame will be perennial. This Champion Grain and Grass Machine ! It would not do if none invented. Though genius often is tormented Because fruition is deferred ; Yet hope of renown and of riches, The sanguine inventor bewitches, While his neighbours may think him absurd. But if he succeeds in achieving. Then doubting is changed to believing. And they readily laud and caress ; Because he has proved himself able To place on his card and his label. The gold-bearing stamp of success ! And these, past failures don't discourage, As best they can, they meet demurrpjje. Still hoping all won't be in vain. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 43 Until by chance or perseverance, From disappointment get a clearance, And thus their harbour safely gain.' But many fail, tho' always trying, Until they reach the time of dying Find all their lives have been a risk, Tho' offer'd with sublime intention Upon the altar of Invention, Their sun goes down with darken'd disk. Yet some of these have caused advancing, For light from them on others glancing, ' Has showed where lies the hidden goal, By which they gain new force and power,' And then as from a lofty tower. They human destiny control I The first whom good old history mentions As named and famed for their inventions Are Jabel, Jubal, Tubal Cain. Without which, civilization never Did exist or could forever, I Tho' e'er so long old Time might reign. Inventors as material actors, Are thus the nation's benefactors, Reaching both to hall and cot ; We're given steam as an example. And sure the evidence is ample — All honour to the name of Watt. The Photo and the Telegraphing, Now here a busy time are having, Most wondrous strides of human skill. To make the sun work at the eazel, And lightning quick as spring of weazel. To send on errands where we will ] 44 THE CENTENNIAL: His wife believed Daguerre was crazy, At least his brain was getting hazy, Because he hoped that he could fix The Camera's image, evanescent, So as to keep it ever present, By chemicals that he could mix. And while in fear she cogitated, To Savary the thing she stated, t. ;, v;f Isn't this impossible to be 1 , v ^v She asked the chemist ; he replied, ; Quite free from all dogmatic pride, " That can't be told by you nor me, " For many things believed by many To be impossible for any, Have been invented and made plain, And thus the hopes of M. Daguerre May an accomplished fact appear, And incredulity prov'd vain," And when the Washington Profe&sor iH) .; Had felt himself the great possessor rjj Of a mignty secret force. That soon would bring far distant nations Into the closest of relations. And make renown'd the name of Morse. Many scoff'd, and 'twas no wonder, To think that that which made the thunder. And shines at once from east to west ! And oft in thunder bullets falling, Man and woman sore appalling. Should be into man's service press'd. The first that run on railway courses Of this country's Iron horspj, Is standing there, from labour freed. ^ AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 45 But thousands now of speed and power, Are dashing onward every hour, All of the Stephensonian breed ! Of Stephenson's first colt, the Photo, Is also shown, firs; locomoto That ever startt d with its train. How wonderful the revolution 'V That Colt's example is producing Throughout the world on land and main ! George Stephenson had anxious worry, He ne'er had studied Lindley Murray, But his great genius brought him through, And his reply to thti Committee, Show'd him to be- both wise and witty, "It would be awkward for the Coo ! " The learned Committee felt the nettle. But when his Colt had show'd its mettle, . His praises flew on eagle's wings ; He took high rank 'mong benefactors, Great among the world's great actors. And then the honour'd guest of kings ! Most providential, 'tis appearing, Soon after steam was put in gearing, The lightning secret v/as unroll'd ; Now tangles on the line of travel, The wire can presently unravel, And stops, and starts, be all controU'd. All around with spreading pinion The eagle shows who claims dominion — Is everywhere on flag and hall ; But they have here an eagle Ihing, That's dclat to Wisconsin giving. As s^iown in Agricult'ral Hall. 46 THE CENTENNIAL : There he is on fiagstiiff perching, If you througli tlie world were searching, You could not find a bird like him. While cannons roared and swords were gleaming, He joined the battle wildly screaming, Which gave the sohliers fiercer vim. They've n^ade a lion of the eagle. And gave him honours almost regal, His story has the millions stirr'd ; He's often out on exhibition, A wonder in this Exposition, " Old Abe," they call the famous bird. Though wounded twice, yet uncomplaining, Three years he kept at his campaigning, For his old namesake sallied forth ; ■ The vet'ran now reward is reaping. From the State has home and keeping, - Proud of this champion of the iVor/A ■'■■'^- The only case this bird approaching, ' ' - Was when a host of Gaul encroaching, A warrior dared Rome's bravest chief, A bird then showed it was no craven, With beak and claws this sable Raven Helped to bring the Gaul to grief.* Look at that carriage so resplendent, Utility with taste attendant, Have made a combmation rare ; Four splendid steeds are in its traces, Superb for driving or for races. And yet they do not move one hair. * As the history states, the raven flew in the face of the Gaul Axhenever he aimed his blows at the RomaH chief, and this gave the Roi^^an the opi)ortunity of striking dow-i his antagonist who cuuhl not set, to defend himself. AN INTKRNATIONAL POKM. 47 Their forms a look of life are giving, You think at first that they are livinj^ With eyes that speak the spirit's fire ; You think to see tliem rearing, prancing Houndinj;, curvetting, and thmcing. And why not? mentally inipdre. 6» We'll now see the palace memorial, Where treasures both bust and pictorial From masters both new and of yore, Are seen by the thousands all gazing. Some silent some audibly praising Their marvellous grace and contour ! In marble are Eves and Madonnas, Sages and chiefs with highest honors, Whose names the world has got by heart ; Here is seen each wealthy Astor, With crowds in marble, bronze and plaster, In this grand gallery of art. Some are dressed like them named Adam, When the Lord's command forbade him To eat of Eden's fatal tree — If any alive come to puberty. Were shown in such palpable nudity, What indignant comment there would be ! But in marble each muscle and feature, Of even the feminine creature, Are by the great masters design'd. And altho' no drapery fold, her, Yet the most fastidious beholder Seems to all impropriety blind ! Look at this grand colossal picture, The artist's thoughts are there a fixture. All blended in its touches rare : 4^ THE CENTENNIAL See, a mighty chief is falling ! All the Roman State appalling ! That is Julius Csesar there. First master of the world, then Koman, Had conquered every open foeman, Had won the first Imperial Crown ; But on the pinnacle of glory, Base assassins, (there's the story), Led by Cassius struck him down. See, there's the third Napoleon standing. Surrendering to him commanding, And victorious at Sedan : Since Waterloo, no scene so galling, To stricken France, or so appalling ! Had then been seen by eye of man. And Germany will proudly glory, When e'er she sees this painted story, Of a rival nation's chief, Giving up his sword and sceptre ! Power departing like a spectre, Amid his nation's helpless grief If it makes humcm more etlierml, To rise from Royal to Imperial, Then William made a great advance ; But this will fc-carcely be admitted, By those who late were 'gainst him pitted, The legions of defeated France ! And here's Von Moltke, famed for planning, His great campaigns, all closely scanning, The forces of each combatant ; Foreseeing by his calculations, ' Controlling all his combinj^'Jons, Where victory her flag will plant. AN INTERNATIOiVAL POEM. 49 And there's the Crown Prince, as befitting On his warrior charger sitting, Who went to England, but alone. Did not return, for England's daughter. He took a bride, across the water, Now heir with him to William's throne. Our gracious Queen has house alliance, By princely and prinriess affiance. With Emperors, a Prince and King ; And this should help to heal dissentir)n. And by its peaceful intervention. Always the healing waters briuir His secret in another's keeping. See the mighty Samson sleeping, His head upon JJelilah's knee- Gone for a time his sight and hearing. See the man attendant shearing. Those wondrous locks with hurried glee ! " The Philistines are on thee, Samson," A pris'ner now without a ransom — But late, omnipotent, but now, His captors mocking in derison, Exultingly destroy his vision — To prison grinding, make him bow. In silver, she has now her wishes, Five thousand and five hundred pieces The Lords unto Delilah gave ; For him who sent the reynard blazers I Startling all the Timnitd gazers ! Fast flying from the flaming wave ! For him who had with jawbone bludgeon, Laid about with deadly dudgeon, Upon the trembling Philistine ! — - 50 THE CENTENNIAL : Never in his blows he blunder'd 'Till he had stricken down ten hundred, Of those who kneel'd at Dagon's shrine. But in due time his locks are growing, And his enemies not knowing, That this had brought returning power, They led the " spoiler of their nation," To their great temple congregation. To fill with merriment the hour. Not thinking while the laugh was ringing, What retribution it was bringing, Which suddenly upon them falls. He clasps the pillars, loudly crying. And now his foes all dead and dying, Lie crushed beneath the massive walls ! A man of fun, of wit, and sorrow, There's Goldsmith, reckless of to-morrow, Eenown'd for hist'ry, fiction, song ; To help the wretched ever willing, By giving his last pound or shilling. Thus doing oft himself a wrong. Compassion once so deeply probing. Impulsively his bed disrobing. He gave a beggar all the clothes ; When feeling cold, he ripp'd his ticking And slept inside, the feathers stickmg All around him when he rose ! An artist by success rev^arded. Has there a natural scene recorded. In tapestry, it comes from France; A[ group of lively, merry-maV^rs,, All young delighted fun partakers, W ith song and repartee and dance. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 6l The party is of both the sexes, All wish to know ot" their annexeSf And now are standing, quiet, calm, Around that old prediction seller, An occult, wizzard, fortune-teller. Now reading that young maiden's palm. And there's the woe- worn Rizpa standing* Where once the Gibeonites all banding Had hanged the seven sons of Saul. She shows of love what strong assurance, By her long terrible endurance, Through days and nights of watchful thrall ! From the beasts of darkness guarding. Off, vultures and the eagles warding ; With sword in hand, by night and day. See, she strikes that swooping eagle ! Dashing at those bodies regal, In horror driving him away. Look at yon God, the famed Apollo, To ages past, and yet to follow, A wonder, an embodied thought. Which by the chisel's keen collision, All that lie saw by mental vision, The artist from the marble brought. Which millions in the Pagan ages. With poets, orators, and sages. Worshiped, calling it divine. In Athens 'twas no doubt presented, When the Apostle Paul commented. On this and ev'ry heathen shrine. f Behold him, as in Bible story. Amid their pagan pride and glory ! * 2 Samuel xxi. 10. t Acts xvii. 52 THE CENTENNIAL Fill'd with pity, love, and zeal, Pointing these learn'd foolish sages Unto the mighty Rock of Ages ! To whom alone they ought to kneel. " I make known, for your devotions, That God, who made the earth and oceans ; That unknown God whom ye adore ; Yet know Him not, tho' your Creator, Than all in earth or heaven greater. And all creation ruling o'er. In man-made temples never liveth, Who life and breath to all men giveth. And needeth nothing at your hands ; He of one blood made ev'ry nation, Appointed each his habitation, All made to dwell in their own lands. " We are His offspring," said your poet, His words are true, and as ye know it. Attend and harken what I say : That ye should find the Lord by seeking, Who by His works and bounty speaking, Is close at hand, not far away. In Him we live and have our being. That we are His own offspring, seeing, We should not think the Godhead then, Is like to aught in earth or heaven, To which an image has beeu given, By any cunning skill of men. &> These times of ignorance o'erlooking, Allow'd to pass wit'.out rebuking — Now God's command is to repent, For He has fix'd a time for giving Judgment on the dead and liv"*^g, In righteousness by Him h^ sent. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 53 Of which He this assurance giveth, That tho' He died, yet now He liveth ; On hearing this, some mock'd, some said : (A cool indifference betraying) — " Again we'll hear Thee on this saying," But some who heard the truth obeyed. As Dionysius and others, Who join'd the Church as Christian brothers, And now on Jesus Christ they call ; But on that day, the Judge revealing, When coming down through heaven's ceiling, All they who mocked will think of Paul. See yonder child, three months a baby, What is its name 1 It had none — may be His mother had fix'd on a name, In light and tiny boat 'twas floating, Where no ferrymen were boating, But soon a royal lady came. Unconscious of its mother's weeping, The little babe perhaps was sleeping, His anxious sister looking on , The Princess saw the little vessel, Where the baby boy did nestle, Which curiously she looked upon. At once the Princess sent a maiden, Who hasten'd with her treasure laden, And to her mistress brought the child ; His sister watching, never raising Her eyes, stands there in wonder gazing, In pity, then the Princess smiled. That one good act has given glory To that young Princess, and the story Throughout all ages has been told ; 54 THE CENTENNIAL : What wondrous destiny awaited The rescued babe, which was narrated, As time did the events unfold. O, was there ever such another Scene as this, when his fond mother Took him from the Princess' arms ? No one might now that infant slaughter, Become the son of Pharaoh's daughter, This puts an end to all alarms. Moses, by his adoption Royal, Became a Prince, both great and loyal, But felt it did to him belong ; Tho' it should cause his own proscription. To kill a murdering Egyptian, And thus avenge his kindred's wrong. The Patriarchal system closes, When the I AM appears to Moses, Within the Bush that burned with fire ; While all the wilderness illuming. It blazed and burn'd without consuming. Said Moses, " I'll the cause inquire." " Moses to Pharaoh now I send thee, I will be with thee to defend thee ; Tell him to let my people go, For I have heard their grief and moaning, Heard their sighs and bitter groaning. And all their misery I know. He whom a King, twice doom'd to perish, Whom that King's daughter saved to cherish ; And forty years ago had fled. He whom the King resolved on slaying, From Midian, where he had been staying, Keturned with power as Israel's head. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 55 To pat an end to their affliction, By punishing the proud Egyptian, With lice and flies, and blains and blood. And many another blighting wonder, As hail and fire and bursting thunder. And then o'erwhelm'd him in the flood. Then He 'mid Sinai's gloom and glory, As we are told in sacred story, Spoke, who holds the avenging rod. While to its base the mountain shaking ! And Israel and Moses quaking ! All heard the awful voice of God ! That babe we saw just wak'd from sleeping Piteously 'mong strangers weeping, Remained, till his great work was dime. When all the statutes had been given Commanded by the Lord from Heaven, He died — his wond'rous race was run! By the oracles that light us. See that youthful Moabitess, A scion from the line of Lot. In law, the daughter of Naomi, Her name sends forth a sweet aroma, Like fragrant flowers in garden plot. " Ask me not to leave thee — I'll go with thee and with no other ; I'll be thine own in love and truth, Nothing me from thee shall sever. Thy God shall be my God forever ; Thy people mine," — Heroic Ruth. Filial duty caus'd her going, What great results from this are flowing ; Small seeming cause great issue brings. i i 56 THE CENTENNIAL : Of Hebrew women few stand higher ; 'Tis David and our greatMessiah, Begin and end her line of Kings. There's Milton— since the fates of nations, Were prophesied in Revelations. No John, the span of life has cross'd, Whoee name in history stands higher, Than his, who strung his living lyre. To sing the song of Eden lost. Except perhaps the Pilgrim dreamer, Whose book has gone with sail and steamer, Throughout the world to every clime ! And in future generations His words will stay among the nations, Doubtless, till the end of time. Power, did prison and defame him. E'en " pious Cowper " fear'd to name him, Lest at his fame, the world might sneer. But since ; the world was shown its folly. By the world-renowned Macaulay, Historian, statesman, poet, peer ! There's Lincoln, whose assassination, Following the devastation Of your great internal war, Fill'd the list'ning world with horror ? Causing deep indignant sorrow ! And gave this land ". I'earful jar. No other man has had the power. To do in one sl^ort pregnant hour. Since man controU'd men's destiny. What Lincoln did by proclamation. To tell the slaves throughout the nation. Your chains are broken ! You are free ! AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 57 With earnest interest you tarry, To see this picture drawn by Barry, Of Adam and our mother Eve. Beside the tree behold them standing, Eve the fruit to Adam handing, He eats, from death there's no reprieve. But in due time there came another. Offspring of a Virgin mother ; Born both to suffer and to save. He, too, was tempted, without sinning. He stood the test, and victory winning For us. He triumphed o'er the grave ! See, there's a son, he had no brother, Follow'd by his widow'd mother Coming from the town of Nain. Many people from the city Gathered there j^^ith solemn pity, For her, whose son disease had slain. But one of pity, love and power ! Meets her in that mournful hour ; He touch'd the bier, it stopp'd and then, The Saviour spoke with voice commanding ! The dead arose, and living, standing Is in his mother's arms again ! There's young Whittington, whose story, Comes along the line of glory ! He listens to the London chimes, And hears, in clear articulation ; With mellow musical vibration, Lord Mayor Whittington, three times ! And here is one, in future ages. Will rank as now, among the sages. Will need no moiuimental pile, / ■ / 58 THE CENTENNIAL : To keep his thoughts before the nations, To lit'rature, his grand oblations Have made renown'd, the name Carlyle. And here, you see, just from her landing, Denmark's lovely daughter standing, Her hand in Albert's, Prince of Wales ; No doubt her cuarming Royal Highness, May feel a little happy shyness. While all the realm her marriage hails ! And see, in robes of Coronation ! The monarch of the British nation, In Hayter's picture grandly drawn. It was in eighteen thirty-seven — She's forcy summers nearer Heaven, Than when first her crown was worn. And there is Wolfe — Quebec is taken ; ' Fallen the chief ! What thoughts awaken While looking on his dying face, His victory, spite of foreign Fenian, Gives all our glorious Dominion ! Unto the Anglo-Saxon race ! And here's Earl Dufferin, Vice-Regal, Whose gaze is a glance of the eagle, Of Sheridan lineage anu speech. As is shown by his brilliant orations On grave or on festive occasions : He has fitting worls always in reach. With genial humour always present, Often keen, but ever pleasant, A model of consummate tact ; With grave and gay in nicest fusion, And always reaching his conclusion. By logic based on stubborn fact. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 59 He holds the Executive oiler* As gov'nor the force of the boiler, That drives the great engine of State ; He watches with steady devotion, To stop any violent motion That danger or fear might create. There's the fam'd of Asia Minor, Whose name in color'd speech is Dinah, Claim'd to be worship'd everywhere ;t Great is Diana of Ephesians ! They shout without or rhyme or reasons, All for her honor that they care ! The crafty craftsmen, to each other, Admit, that there is quite another Cause that makes the hubbub rise ; But to the people are pretending, Diana's fame they are defending : 'Tis not from selfishness they rise. Such lengthened, loud vociferation Was never heard in any nation, ^ Nor before that age nor since ; Av'rice leagued with Paganism, Resolv'd to crush the Christian schism, And by this tumult to convince. But neither noise nor persecution, Could stop the mighty revolution, From the preaching of the Cross ; The Christians follow'd their high calling, Until they saw the idols falling. And paganism own'd her loss. * One of His Excellency's own felicitous illustrations in a speech at Toronto, f Whom Asia and the world worshippeth.— Acts X9, xxvu, i 60 THE CENTENNIAL : See, there's two millionaires — the Astors — Never meeting with disasters, With many ups^ without the downs ; But the question comes, what profit 1 If the end to them be Tophet, Where hope is gone and vengeance frowns ? The first his genius boldly grasping. At millions he made sure of clasping, Chuckled o'er his rival's blind ; His son inherits love of money, Sweeter to his taste than honey, He, too, has left it all behind. And here's the millionaire from Lisburn, He, too, has lately gone to his bourn, His work is o'er, his race is run ; He was a mighty prince, commercial. And look d around with glass of Herschel, To see where money could be won ! He was no spasmodic jerker. But an earnest constant worker. In dealing honest, true and fair ; If for another generation. He could have plied his avocation, He might have been a billionaire ! And there is one, on death -bed lying ; Is sinking, helpless, ^"^ping, dying — He's gone, his great career is o'er ! A man of railways, bonds and steamers, Always an overmatch for schemers. And widely known as Commcdore. What may have been their thoughts and greeting, If these four have had a meeting, Upon that dim and distant shore — AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 61 If bringing what they've there been learning, To .-^s old state, they were returning, W^yd they their former lives encore "J Now, see jOn mighty German Bismark, Deeply he lift's chisel'd his mark, What force ^n that one teeming brain— When e'er demanded by the hour, God raises up the men of power, To take and hold the guiding rein. Look here ! — with suiMen inspiration. This girl arose to save aer nation. From foreign bondage drear and dark ; But short was her career of glory, You have read the cruel sv ory : Burn'd as a witch, was J oan of Arc ! There's GortchakofF, renowned in Russia, As Prince Bismarck is in Prussia ; Chief in the councils of the Czar. In genius, bold and domineering ; He the Ship of State is steering, Supreme alike in peace and war ! There's one who holds the highest station In his recuperated nation, — To France a providential dower : McMahon, Irish in extraction. When in his favour came reaction : He gained the suffrage lease of pow'r. Napoleon's there, whose will was iron. So scornfully denounc'd by Byron In his scathing, scorching ode. He claimed from Destiny his mission ; Part was to kill the Inquisition, And give to France her legal cocie. g2 THE CENTENNIAL He found his country in commotion \ Hot lava pour'd in stormy ocean ! Might symbolize her fearful thrall He grasped the helm all grandly steering, All surrounding nations fearing ! Till Destiny decreed his fall. Here's Wellington the Duke of iron What grandeur does that brow environ ; Napoleon all his forces threw Against him, but the Lion Regal, Broke the pinions of the Eagle Upon the field of Waterloo ! The world in wonder watch'd their meeting, The earthquake shock of war there greeting 1 As oft before England and France, Met in fierce national collision ; When Carnage had fulfiU'd his mission, The Gaul retreats with shivered lance ! See, there's Prime Minister Disraeli, Great in debate as keen in sally, The most renoun'd of Jewish race ; Since Scripture history was written. Some think him greatest in Great Britain, Or either m or out of place. The world admired him first as Vivian, This would have kept aim from livion. But he has grasp'd at grander things! His genius great as his ambition. With perseverance brought fruition ; And now in power he ranks with kings ! Now see the illustrious Gladstone standing, The homage of the world commanding, Great both alike with voice or pen. AN INTERNATIONAL POEM. 63 In learning, genius, virtue, towers ; And is acknowledged by the powers, As one of Europe's ablest men. And he has held the highest station In the halls of legislation, 'Gainst tyranny he takes the van ; The Empire's with him in alliance, J oining in his stern defiance. Of the encroaching Vatican ! RUSSIAN PICTURES. There, behold a daughter kneeling, With intensity of feeling ; The mother holds the salt and bread Above her child. The sire is blessing, Bible in hand their God addressing. For her who now is to be wed. The mother's thoughts are backward flowing, And also they are forward going. Thinking of the time when she, By her father and her mother, Was bless'd, and given to another ; And what her daughter's fate may be. And there, a father sits caressing, And to his bosom closely pressing. His lovely boy. The mother lair. Smiles upon them— none are seeing, Yon little, ragged, homeless being, Who yearns to have a parent's care 1 And here's the Czar, whose northern regions Are marshalling their hordes and legions, For war's dread sanguinary work. It won't be now in the area 64 THE CENTENNIAL Of the memorable Crimea ; On his own ground they'll fight the Turk ! England this time, has not " blunder'd ;" She will not send again " six hundred," To save the waning Moslem Moon From its eclipse, but leave to Bruin, Either to renovate or ruin. One or other must come soon. * There's Hamilton, an Alexander, His life was no serene meander, A statesman, upright, without slur — To custom's bloody mandate yielding. He met his foe in private Helding, And fell, sho^ by the hand of Burr. The slayer, then, a cute attorney. Left, but e'er he took his journey, A large town property he s; )ld ; So that he might leave the faster To the great John Jacob Astor, For twenty thousand paid in gold. But in the deed he stipulated, 'Ere twenty years from it was dated. He might re-purchase back the same By the return ot purchase money — The Astor felt not very funny, When Burr came back and made his claim. Prepared with twenty thousand dollars. And interest, of course, that follows; And then demanded back his deed, Or, in alternative, he offered, "Give me one hundred thousand, coffer'd?" — Astor refused so much to bleed. t ' This was written some mouths before the declaration of war, AN INTERNATIONAL POEM: 65 But said to Burr, •' please call to-morrow"— liather enjoying Astor's sorrow. The claimant turned upon liis iu-cl • Astor consults his law-adviser, Who said, " To pay would be the wiser, And better for your private weal." Next day the (/2*e^/.