At the Observatory + 

Mahatma Holden, Autocrat of Stars, + 

Fixed to the telescope his curious eye + 

And waited for some great phenomenon + 

To seek his field of vision. Years and years, + 

Retiring early, rising with the sun, + 

With patience proof against defeat, he still + 

Had sought some grand discovery; and still, + 

Dogging the footsteps of endeavor, came + 

Grim disappointment and in mockery + 

Derided him. But now, even as he gazed, + 

A great white light crept up the sky, and lo! + 

Into the telescope’s illumined ken + 

Swam with a stately grace a noble orb, + 

And paused in mid-field of the mighty tube! + 

Mahatma Holden, Autocrat of Stars, + 

Was found next morn beneath the instrument, + 

Senseless and motionless as one that’s dead. + 

“By some emotion overcome,” said one + 

(Sometime physician to the Ghug of Smat) + 

Who with sharp stimulants and kindly words + 

Strove to revive him. Scarcely had the fresh + 

And wholesome air saluted both his lungs + 

Than, “Paper!” cried he⁠—“paper, pen and ink! + 

Quick, ere the glorious memory fades! Ah, friends, + 

Not all in vain my vigils and my skill + 

To read the secrets of the upper deep: + 

At last I’m famous and my name shall ring + 

Adown the centuries unlinked with theirs, + 

My menials, Burnham, Bar⁠—” he faltered then, + 

Yet with a mighty effort peaced himself, + 

Mastered his spirit, calmly gazed about + 

And, with angelic dignity, explained: + 

“I’ve found the Moon!” And it was even so. + 