The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay With Illustrations by John Gilbert |
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THE FESTIVAL OF LABOUR.
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
 | The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay |  |
THE FESTIVAL OF LABOUR.
OPENING OF THE GREAT EXHIBITION OF 1851.
I
Gather, ye nations, gather!From forge, and mine, and mill!
Come, Science and Invention;
Come, Industry and Skill!
Come with your woven wonders,
The blossoms of the loom,
That rival Nature's fairest flowers
In all but their perfume;
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Your silver and your gold,
And arts that change the face of earth,
Unknown to men of old.
Gather, ye nations, gather!
From every clime and soil,
The new confederation,
The jubilee of toil!
II
We strive not for dominion;—Whoe'er the worthiest be,
Shall bear the palm and garland,
And crown of victory.
In kindly emulation
His willing hand we'll seek,
And own him brother and a friend,
Whatever tongue he speak.
Whate'er his clime or colour,
His lineage or his creed,
To him shall honour due be given
For honourable deed.
Gather, ye nations, gather!
Exalt them—for you can—
The dignity of labour,
The brotherhood of man!
III
The world is growing wiser,New thoughts and hopes are born;
Too long we've dwelt in darkness,
And tarried for the morn.
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We've dipp'd our bleeding hands;
But wisdom, taught by suffering keen,
Comes beaming o'er the lands.
Our princes and our people
The grateful truth have learn'd,
And strive for glory purer far
Than Cæsar ever earn'd.
Gather, ye nations, gather!
Let ancient discords cease,
And Earth, with myriad voices,
Awake the song of Peace!
| The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay | |