Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Steam-power, Progress, Environmentalism, Physical Geography, Engineers

    Urges Londoners to resist the encroachment of the 'great Steam Giant', in response to the myriad new railway schemes proposed for the metropolis. The poem calls on Londoners to fight the 'Railway sappers' who 'breach each household wall', and to 'teach the invading engineer' that the Englishman is still able to defend his house as his castle. Anticipates some of the scenes of conflict, including the 'Beleaguered men of old', who fend off 'those who stormed the hold' and the destruction of residential garden beds. Ponders the ugly future of tunnels under the basement floor and 'Embankments blocking out your view', and then urges Londoners to distrust promises of compensation. The poet might reluctantly accept the defacement of nature 'Were it to serve the true public need', but to 'contractors', engineers', / And Lawyers' projects', the answer is 'No!'. Concludes by reiterating the rallying cry urging Londoners to 'Combine against the invading lines'.