The steamer plows the middle sea
With smoke behind and foam before;
And through whatever nights there be
She anchors not from shore to shore:

Though head winds smite her onward form
And waves from east to west be hurled,
Though ocean stars be hid in storm
Beyond the glimpses of the world,

Her needle tells the unseen path,
Eternal law to her desire;
And her unconquered speed she hath
In quenchless heart of flame and fire.