Adelaide. Poem by Fidelia S T Hill

I entered the wide spreading streets — methought
Of a vast city; all was bustle there:
Crowds hurried on with eager looks befraught,
And hum of many voices filled the air.
Then my eye rested upon buildings rare,
Circus and crescent to perfection brought,
On splendid stores, where all things rich and rare
Exposed for sale, by young and old were bought,
While many a rising spire, and spacious dome
Reminded me of London and of home!
Tho' dear to thought, and to heart doubly dear
The city of my native land shall be
While memory lasts — there did in this appear
An added charm perchance 'twas novelty;
Yet all that soul could wish, or eye could see
For comfort, ease, convenience, or for cheer —
Treasures for time, and for eternity,
Seemed as by magic art concentred here.
Proud was the pageant, and a costlier scene
To mortal sight hath scarce presented been.
And was this Adelaide? then who shall say
(Though but the baseless fabric of a dream)
Young city of the desart, in thy day,
How vast thy grandeur, and thy wealth should seem;
Even from thy early promise we may deem
Great things of thee, for well dost thou repay
The settlers' toil: — on thee may fortune's beam
Rest — and around thy opening prospects play,
Till other lands confess thy rising fame,
And commerce, health, and plenty crown thy name!