To The Peerless Princess.I have seen thee in thy pride; Seen thee dressed in gala colors, As became a waiting bride; I have seen thy waving forests, And the buildings tow'ring high; Felt thy welcome in the breezes, Saw thy smile in ev'ry eye. I have viewed thy stately churches, Where thy people meet to pray; I have seen thy wheels of commerce Drivin all the busy day; I have heard the great heart-throbbing Of the engines in thy breast__ Wichita, thou Peerless Princess, Matchless city of the West! There I sought thy fields of learning, Sought to see thy noblest men; To climb the eyrie of the Eagle__ Beard th bird right there and then; But the height but made me dizzy, And the Eagle screamed so shrill, That I sought old terra firma, There to wander at my will. Wichita, thou queen so potent, Potent, aye, for ill or good, May thou yield thy mighty scepter Building up man's brotherhood! May thy noble sons and daughters Rear thy standard up so high, Though their feet may touch thy borders, That their glory reach the sky. May thy highways ring with gladness, Filled thine air with happiest song; May thy joyous youth and maidens Live within thy precincts long. Thou didst welcome us, a stranger__ Welcomed us, an honored guest- Wichita, thou queen of Kansas, Peerless Princess of the West. Note: Visited during the session of the Grand Knights of Pythias, 1891] ___John W. Beebe
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