You've seen Balloons set -- Hav'nt You?

You've seen Balloons set -- Hav'nt You?
So stately they ascend --
It is as Swans -- discarded You,
For Duties Diamond --

Their Liquid Feet go softly out
Upon a Sea of Blonde --
They spurn the Air, as 'twere too mean
For Creatures so renowned --

Their Ribbons just beyond the eye --
They struggle -- some -- for Breath --
And yet the Crowd applaud, below --
They would not encore -- Death --

The Gilded Creature strains -- and spins --
Trips frantic in a Tree --
Tears open her imperial Veins --
And tumbles in the Sea --

The Crowd -- retire with an Oath --
The Dust in Streets -- go down --
And Clerks in Counting Rooms
Observe -- " 'Twas only a Balloon" --