Progress and Poverty (Emma Lazarus)


 * Oh splendid age when Science lights her lamp
 * At the brief lightning’s momentary flame,
 * Fixing it steadfast as a star, man’s name
 * Upon the very brow of heaven to stamp,
 * Launched on a ship whose iron-cuirassed sides
 * Mock storm and wave. Humanity sails free;
 * Gayly upon a vast untraveled sea,
 * O’er pathless wastes, to ports undreamed she rides.
 * Richer than Cleopatra’s barge of gold,
 * This vessel, manned by demi-gods, with freight
 * Of priceless marvels. But where yawns the hold
 * In that deep, reeking hell, what slaves be they,
 * Who feed the ravenous monster, pant and sweat,
 * Nor know if overhead reign night and day?


 * Emma Lazarus