THE GREAT NORTHERN EXPRESS
It rushes on, the embodiment of Force,
Devouring Distance and defeating Time,
Majestically carving out its course
With calm assurance, confidence sublime.
Water and Fire, most serviceable friends,
Though each may prove man's most malignant Foe,
Are yoked together here to serve his ends,
And to his will a proud obedience show.
'Tis thus that Suns and Planets rush through Space,
Their course marked out even to a hair's-breadth line,
But at the bidding of what Power they race,
What energy Dæmonic or Divine
Controls them, or if blind stern Law doth rule,
We may not learn in any earthly school.
Devouring Distance and defeating Time,
Majestically carving out its course
With calm assurance, confidence sublime.
Water and Fire, most serviceable friends,
Though each may prove man's most malignant Foe,
Are yoked together here to serve his ends,
And to his will a proud obedience show.
'Tis thus that Suns and Planets rush through Space,
Their course marked out even to a hair's-breadth line,
But at the bidding of what Power they race,
What energy Dæmonic or Divine
Controls them, or if blind stern Law doth rule,
We may not learn in any earthly school.