Ceased is the sound of the chisel, and hushed is the hammer’s ring,
And the echoes that haunted the empty halls for a while have taken wing;
And the doors are open, and overhead are a thousand flags unfurled,
While with music and song to the House she has built Victoria welcomes the world.
For the nations she bade with friendly voice have hearkened to her behest,
And treasure-laden, o’er land and sea, comes many an honoured guest,-
Daughters of cultured Europe, deigning her day to grace,-
Children of antique Asia,-Africa’s dusky race,-
America’s mighty offspring-and they of Australia’s line,-
And they of the Thousands Islands set where Pacific waters shine.
Oh, never a Roman triumph, nor court of mightiest Suzerain-
Hath gathered such as have sailed to her. Nor gifts like to theirs have lain
At the feet of Wisdom’s favoured one-when the Princes came from far,
And the swarthy Queen to the Great Sea steered by the light of the still pole star.
II.
Welcome, O fair five Sisters unto your Sister’s side!
Greet we this day together them who come from far and wide.
Come ye, aflame with jewels, and each with veil
(Mary Hannay Foott)
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Based on Topics: World Poems, Light Poems, Wisdom & Knowledge Poems, Children Poems, Daughters Poems, Guest Poems, America PoemsBased on Keywords: deigning, suzerain, treasure-laden