THE mighty forces of mysterious space
   Are one by one subdued by lordly man.
   The awful lightnings, that for eons ran
   Their devastating and untrammeled race,
Now bear his messages from place to place
   Like carrier-doves. The winds lead on his van.
   The lawless elements no longer can
   Resist his strength, but yield with sullen grace.
His bold feet scaling heights before untrod--
   Light, darkness, air and water, heat and cold,
   He bids go forth and bring him power and pelt.
And yet, though ruler, king and demigod,
   He walks, with his fierce passions uncontrolled,
   The conquerer of all things--save himself.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox