A Welcome

Once more we come with heart and hand,
In warm and earnest greeting:
Once more we form in goodly band,
A free and cordial meeting.


A meeting that has no design
To threaten, coax, or wheedle;
To hail with glee a new "M. P."
Or choose a parish beadle!


A meeting where no fierce debate
Engenders "Chartist Riot;"
But leaves Queen, Parliament, and State,
In true and loyal quiet.