In days of yore, 'tis said, the swimming alder Fashioned rude, withbranches lopped and stript of its smooth coat, Where fallen tree was notand rippling stream's vast breadth Forbade adventurous leap, the brawny swain did bear Secure to farthest shore. The book has passed away, and with the book the lay, Which in myyouthful days I loved to ponder. Of curious things it told, how wisemen three of Gotham In bowl did venture out to sea, And darkly hintstheir awful fate. If men have dared the main to tempt in such frail barks, Why may notwash-tub round or bread-trough square oblong, Suffice to cross thepurling wave and gain the destin'd port? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...REASONS FOR DRINKING by HENRY ALDRICH STANZAS FOR MUSIC (3) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON LEISURE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES RICH DAYS by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES ENVOI by JOHN GNEISENAU NEIHARDT SONNETS FROM SERIES RELATING TO EDGAR ALLEN POE: 1 by SARAH HELEN POWER WHITMAN |