"Westward the course of empire takes its way," -- So Berkeley said, and so to-day The men who know the world still say. The glowing West, with bounteous hand, Bestows her gifts throughout the land, And smiles to see at her command Art, science, and the industries, -- New fruits of new Hesperides. So, proud are you who claim the West As home land; doubly are you blest To live where liberty and health Go hand in hand with brains and wealth. So here's a welcome to you all, Whate'er the work your hands let fall, -- To you who trace on history's page The footprints of each passing age; To you who tune the laureled lyre To songs of love or deeds of fire; To you before whose well-wrought tale The cheek doth flush or brow grow pale; To you who bow the ready knee And worship cold philosophy, -- A welcome warm as Western wine, And free as Western hearts, be thine. Do what the greatest joy insures, -- The city has no will but yours! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WRESTLING JACOB by CHARLES WESLEY THE WHITE CHARGER by ABUS SALT CURIOUSLY EVANESCENT by EVA K. ANGLESBURG THE VIGILANTES by MARGARET ELIZA ASHMUN THE HAPPY LOVER by PHILIP AYRES THE GYPSIES [OR, GIPSIES] by HENRY HOWARTH BASHFORD THE IDEAL by ANNE CHARLOTTE LYNCH BOTTA |