Classic Poem

FLEET Street ! Fleet Street! Fleet Street in the morning,
— With the old sun laughing out behind the dome of Paul's,
Heavy wains a-driving, merry winds a-striving,
— White clouds and blue sky above the smoke-stained walls.

Fleet Street! Fleet Street! Fleet Street in the noontide,
— East and west the streets packed close, and roaring like the sea;
With laughter and with sobbing we feel the world's heart throbbing,
— And know that what is throbbing is the heart of you and me.

Fleet Street! Fleet Street! Fleet Street in the evening,
— Darkness set with golden lamps down Ludgate Hill a-row:
Oh! hark the voice o' th' city that breaks our hearts with pity,
— That crazes us with shame and wrath, and makes us love her so.

Fleet Street! Fleet Street! morning, noon, and starlight,
— Through the never-ceasing roar come the great chimes clear and slow;
" Good are life and laughter, though we look before and after,
— And good to love the race of men a little ere we go. "