The Inventor

R. W. Emerson.

Time and Space decreed his lot, But little Man was quick to note: When Time and Space said Man might not, Bravely he answered, "Nay! I mote."

I looked on old New England. Time and Space stood fast. Men built altars to Distance At every mile they passed.

Yet sleek with oil, a Force was hid Making mock of all they did, Ready at the appointed hour To yield up to Prometheus The secular and well-drilled Power The Gods secreted thus.

And over high Wantastiquet Emulous my lightnings ran, Unregarded but afret, To fall in with my plan.

I beheld two ministries, One of air and one of earth -- At a thought I married these, And my New Age came to birth!

For rarely my purpose errs Though oft it seems to pause, And rods and cylinders Obey my planets' laws.

Oil I drew from the well, And Franklin's spark from its blue; Time and Distance fell, And Man went forth anew.

On the prairie and in the street So long as my chariots roll I bind wings to Adam's feet, And, presently, to his soul!

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