Birmingham and Wolverhampton

In parts, through prospects scattered far and near,
Pale-glowing gleams and flickering flames appear,
Like new volcanoes mid deep darkness nursed,
From cooking coals in ruddy brilliance burst;
While smoky curls in thickening columns rise,
Obscure the landscapes and involve the skies.
Still, as the sanguine blaze, beneath, ascends,
And deepening blushes with heav'n's vapours blends,
Diffusing all around red, lurid light,
And paint in part the negro-cheeks of Night,
Deep, sullen sounds through all the region roll,
Shocking with groans and sighs each shuddering soul!
Here clanking engines vomit scalding streams,
And belch vast volumes of attendant steams —
There thundering forges, with pulsations loud
Alternate striking, pierce the pendant cloud;
While to these distant hills, respiring slow,
Furnaces' iron lungs loud-breathing blow,
Breaking abrupt on Superstition's ear,
And shrink the shuddering frame with shivering fear:
Obtruding on the heart, each heaving breath,
Some vengeful fiend, grim delegate of Death!