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416

IV.
National Unity

A unity complete, assured, and high,
Is that for which our Country still contends;
Fulfilling thus a nation's destiny;
For this its mighty energies it lends.
No more for party purposes it lives,
For it has entered on a nobler strife;
A higher motive higher objects gives,
Long years of progress, and of peaceful life;
In which it may its vast domain explore,
And with its commerce whiten every sea;
Stretch the strong iron bands from shore to shore,
Encourage Science, Art, and Industry;
That thus established firm on Nature's plan,
Might rise secure at length the work of man!
Poem No. 23; c. 29 September 1868