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THE CONGRESS OF WOMEN.

As overhead in untrod realms of air Above stupendous towers some mountain fair,

So soared Columbo’s lofty thought, and grasped, Within its compass, earth by ocean clasped,

And we, the monument of his genius great,

Do thus his name and fame commemorate.

While circumscribed within Chicago’s halls,

Behold all nations; science all enthralls;

For strife assembled, but these fields are won,

With smokeless powder and with shotless gun, With wonderful machines; with fabrics fine; Electric marvels; treasures of the mine.

Here see rare sculptures; art and objects strange, To elevate the mind, enlarge the range *■

Of thought; amuse, instruct in love and peace,

That with such gentle contests wars may cease.

Ye empires, kings, republics, now give ear Unto our welcome! heartfelt welcome, here!

Our task is finished. Ere we part we pause,

For swift defying all of nature’s laws,

Which limit to the past and present hour Man’s knowledge, and experience, and power;

A bright, prophetic vision, dimly seen,

Before us rises, robed in dazzling sheen,

And in the zenith of the heavens high,

An eagle, gray and hoary, cleaves the sky.

Eastward his flight, and hovering o’er the main, Toward Europe gazes. In his own domain Mount we with him, and through his clearer eye View all on sea and land he can decry.

Where prairies stretched their treeless desolation, Lo! fruitful fields and cities bless the nation;

Great navies swarm, and, like the birds in motion, On every hand flit over sea and ocean,

While o’er them strange, and yet familiar seeming, A banner waves, upon its azure gleaming A single star displayed its rays, disclosing Forms of a hundred stars, the one composing: From sea to sea, from Frigid Zone to Torrid,

One Union bounds; and war’s contentions horrid Disturb no more. Sweet Truth, its form revealing In beauteous garments; Justice, naught concealing, Dispensing equally to equal worth,

With righteous judgment ruling all the earth.

See Might and Right now hand in hand united;

See brother’s love by ample love requited;

Mild Peace attending, watching o’er the free, Rewards mankind; and crowning Justice, see,

The land of Christopher Columbo named No more America, but Columbia famed.