From Possibility's dim chaos sprung,
High o'er its gloom the Aërostatic Power
Arose!— Exulting Nations hail'd the hour,
Magnific boast of Science!— Loud they sung
Her victory o'er the element, that hung,
Pressing to earth the Beings, who now soar
Aerial heights;— but Wisdom bids explore
This vaunted skill;— if, tides of air among,
We know to steer our bark.— Here Science finds
Her buoyant hopes burst, like the bubble vain,
Type of this art;— guilty, if still she blinds
The sense of Fear; persists thy flame to fan,
Sky-vaulting Pride, that to the aweless winds
Throws, for an idle Show, the LIFE OF MAN!