IV

The cataracts wild leap, turned glittering ice

In shame's suspension, and crow souls afeeding

Upon a huge dead body and fast breeding,—

Is, as a scene, not worth the railroad's price;

But, oh, if, with "Excelsior" for device,

Thou climb thy Alpine way, each day exceeding

The other's height, what throngs would watch thy speeding

And, for the thrill thou woulds't give them, come twice!

O Canada! why all this sleigh-bell rhyming?