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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE STEAM-ENGINE: CANTO 10. THE DEATH OF HUSKISSON by T. BAKER

First Line: THE TRAINS ARE STOPP'D, THE MIGHTY CHIEFS OF FLAME
Last Line: BUT DAMPED THE JOY THAT ERST HAD CROWN'D THE DAY.
Subject(s): ACCIDENTS; HUSKISSON, WILLIAM (1770-1830); RAILROADS; RAILWAYS; TRAINS;

THE trains are stopp'd, the MIGHTY CHIEFS OF FLAME
To quench their thirst the crystal water claim;
While from their post the great in crowds alight,
When, by a line-train, in its hasty flight,
Through striving to avoid it, Huskisson
By unforeseen mischance was over-run.
That stroke, alas! was death in shortest time;
Thus fell the great financier in his prime!
This fatal chance not only caused delay,
But damped the joy that erst had crown'd the day.



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