Mark how the clouds now glow like molten gold,

Now gleam like snow-banks, heap’d on banks of snow;

Now dash’d with azure, softer hues unfold,

Now shift and kindle to a furnace-glow!

Compared with these, what is the pride of art!

Your petty palaces and pigmy spires—

The paltry pageants of the noisy mart,

And all the city-connoisseur admires!

Should the whole race of man unite as one

To celebrate some glorious festal day,