King Steam.
Hurrah for the rail! for the stout iron rail,
A boon to both country and town,
From the very first day that the permanent-way,
And the far-famed fish-joint were laid down.
'Tis destined, you'll find, to befriend all mankind,
To strew blessings all over the world.
Man's science, they say, gave it birth one fine day.
And the flag of King Steam was unfurled.
Then hurrah for King Steam, whose wild whistle and scream,
Gives notice to friends and to foes,
As he makes the dust fly, and goes thundering by,
So stand clear and make room for King Steam.
Aye! a monarch, I say, hath he been from the day
He was born; on that glad happy hour,
Until now, when we know the vast debt that we owe
To his daring, his speed, and his power!
See the birds left behind, as he outstrips the wind,
By the aid of key, sleeper and metal.
Great Watt little thought what a giant he'd caught,
When the infant was boiling a kettle.
Then hurrah for King Steam, &c.
They may tell, if they will, that our monarch can kill,
'Tis a fact, I admit, and well known,
But fairly inquire, and there 's this to admire,
The fault is but barely his own.
