Not in Vain the Distance Beacons

Not in vain the distance beacons. Forward, forward let us range.

Let the great world spin forever down the ringing grooves of change;

through the shadow of the globe we sweep ahead to heights sublime,

we, the heirs of all the ages, in the foremost files of time.

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Oh, we see the crescent promise of that spirit has not set;

ancient founts of inspiration well through all our fancies yet;

and we doubt not through the ages one increasing purpose runs,

and the thoughts of all are widened with the process of the suns.

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Yea, we dip into the future, far as human eye can see,

see the vision of the world, and all the wonder that shall be,

hear the war-drum throb no longer, see the battle flags all furled,

in the parliament of freedom, federation of the world.