Page:A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.).djvu/55



for the rail! for the stout iron rail,
 * A boon to both country and town,

From the very first day that the permanent-way,
 * And the far-famed fish-joint were laid down.

'Tis destined, you'll find, to befriend all mankind,
 * To strew blessings all over the world.

Man's science, they say, gave it birth one fine day.
 * And the flag of King Steam was unfurled.
 * Then hurrah for King Steam, whose wild whistle and scream,
 * Gives notice to friends and to foes,
 * As he makes the dust fly, and goes thundering by,
 * So stand clear and make room for King Steam.

Aye! a monarch, I say, hath he been from the day
 * He was born; on that glad happy hour,

Until now, when we know the vast debt that we owe
 * To his daring, his speed, and his power!

See the birds left behind, as he outstrips the wind,
 * By the aid of key, sleeper and metal.

Great Watt little thought what a giant he'd caught,
 * When the infant was boiling a kettle.
 * Then hurrah for King Steam, &c.

They may tell, if they will, that our monarch can kill,
 * 'Tis a fact, I admit, and well known,

But fairly inquire, and there 's this to admire,
 * The fault is but his own.