44 



Fortune seems to smile upon us when we reach the 



-Parndon shore. 

 Here's a chain — boat, strong and likely, will hold six 



or even more. 

 With reckless haste we crowd in — seven mortals, horses 



five — 

 With a guilty sense of triumph that we sooner shall 



arrive 



Than the sportsman of experience who waits the second 



turn, 

 With his daughter sadly watching as their hearts within 



them burn. 

 But ah ! what horrid noise is this that breaks upon my 



ear ? 

 A rasping, and a rattling, and a snapping sound I hear. 



Then in that laden ferry boat was tumult and affright, 

 For alas ! the chain had broken ! we were in a helpless 



plight. 

 With our broadside to the water, while the horses stamp 



and snort — 

 An unpleasant situation, and, you see, with danger 



fraught. 



So rapidly we glide along the eddying stream straight 



down. 

 It doesn't seem unlikely we shall soon reach Newark 



town ; 

 Unless upon a sand-bank we are left to pass the day 

 In a sort of picnic party, but without the bill to pay. 



