19

THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN

ON THE GREAT EXHIBITION, 1851.

HA! yon burst of crystal splendour, Sunlight, starlight blent in one; Starlight set in arctic azure,

Sunlight from the burning zone! Gold and silver, gems and marble, All creation's jewelry; Earth's uncovered waste of riches, Treasures of the ancient sea. Heir of glory,

What is that to thee and me?

Iris and Aurora braided,

How the woven colours shine! Snow- gleams from an Alpine summit, Torch- light from a spar- roofed mine. Like Arabia's matchless palace,

Child of magic's strong decree, One vast globe of living sapphire, Floor, walls, columns, canopy. Heir of glory,

What is that to thee and me?

Forms of beauty, shapes of wonder, Trophies of triumphant toil; Never Athens, Rome, Palmyra, Gazed on such a costly spoil.