I know not what this may betoken,
That I feel so wondrous wise;
My dream of existence is broken
Since science has opened my eyes.
At the British Association
I heard the President-s speech,
And the methods and facts of creation
Seemed suddenly placed in my reach.

My life-s undivided devotion
To Science I solemnly vowed,
I-d dredge up the bed of the ocean,
I-d draw down the spark from the cloud.
To follow my thoughts as they go on,
Electrodes I-d place in my brain;
Nay, I'd swallow a live entozà¶on,
New feelings of life to obtain.

O where are those high feasts of Science?
O where are those words of the wise?
I hear but the roar of Red Lions,
I eat what their Jackal supplies.
I meant to lie so scientific,
But science seems turned into fun;
And this, with his roaring terrific,
That old red lion bath done.