At the childish boast of human might,

And the pride of human power.

When I saw an army upon the land,

A navy upon the seas,

Creeping along, a snail-like band,

Or waiting the wayward breeze;

When I marked the peasant faintly reel

With the toil which he daily bore,

As he feebly turned the tardy wheel,

Or tugged at the weary oar;