For the World’s great Exhibition, Let’s shout with loud huzza, All nations can never forget The glorious first of May. From every quarter of the globe They come across the sea, And to the Crystal Palace The wonders for to see; Raised by the handiwork of men Born on British ground, A challenge to the Universe Its equal to be found. Each friendly nation in the world Have their assistance lent, And to this Exhibition Have their productions sent; And with honest zeal and ardour, With pleasure do repair, With hands outstretch’d, and gait erect, To the World’s Great National Fair. The sons of England and of France, And America likewise, With other nations to contend To bear away the prize, With pride depicted in their eyes, View the offspring of their hand: O, surely England’s greatest wealth Is an honest working man. It is a glorious sight to see So many thousands meet, Not heeding creed or country, Each other friendly greet. Like children of one mighty sire, May that sacred tie ne’er cease; May the blood-stained sword of War give way To the Olive-branch of peace. But, hark! the trumpets flourish, Victoria does approach, That she may long be spared to us Shall be our reigning toast. I trust each heart it will respond To what I now propose-- Good-will and plenty to her friends, And confusion to her foes. Great praise is due to Albert, For the good that he has done, May others follow in his steps The work he has begun; Then let us all, with one accord, His name give with three cheers, Shout huzza for the Crystal Palace, And the World’s great National Fair! The Exhibition was opened on the first of May, and, as over forty years have passed since then, a good account of the ceremony will, doubtless, be grateful to very many of my readers, whilst to those who are old enough to remember it, it will be a pleasing reminiscence. _Forsan et hæc olim meminisse juvabit._ The following is condensed from _The Times_ of May 2nd, 1851.