Thrice hail the Age of Action! Plaudits raise
For the stanch heroes of these Working Days!
To them that strive, to them that strain, our praise

And gratitude unwearying are due
For the rich fruitage of their toil: they strew
Life's every path with benefactions. Few

In this o'er-strenuous day who will not heed
The worth of doing, or refuse the meed
Of awe and admiration for the Deed.

Yet still a spirit moves the wheels, and still
Acts are Thought's bondmen and perform her will;
All their high triumphs her design fulfill.

Then let no reverence less sincere be brought
To yonder pillared fane, so fair enwrought,
Fitly to celebrate the might of Thought.

Nor less august the presences ye find
Within that precinct lastingly enshrined, —
The demigods that sway the world of mind.