 | Three Hundred Sonnets |  |
103
MODERN PROGRESS.
These twenty years,—how full of gain to us,To common humble multitudinous Man;
How swiftly Providence advances thus
Our flag of progress flaming in the van!
This double decade of the world's short span
Is richer than two centuries of old:
Richer in helps, advantages, and pleasures,
In all things richer—even down to gold—
To all of every class in liberal measures:
We travel quicker now than Isthmians might;
In books we quaff the veriest Hebe's chalice;
All wonders of the world gladden the sight
In that world's wonder-house the Crystal Palace;
And everywhere is might enslaved to Right.
| Three Hundred Sonnets | |