Classic Poem

ST. LAWRENCE .

All peacefully gliding,
The waters dividing,
The indolent batteau moved slowly along,
The rowers, light-hearted,
From sorrow long parted,
Beguiled the dull moments with laughter and song:
" Hurrah for the Rapid! that merrily, merrily
Gambols and leaps on its tortuous way;
Soon we will enter it, cheerily, cheerily,
Pleased with its freshness, and wet with its spray. "

More swiftly careering,
The wild Rapid nearing,
They dash down the stream like terrified steed;
The surges delight them,
No terrors affright them,
Their voices keep pace with their quickening speed:
" Hurrah for the Rapid! that merrily, merrily
Shivers its arrows against us in play;
Now we have entered it, cheerily, cheerily,
Our spirits as light as its feathery spray.'

Fast downward they're dashing,
Each fearless eye flashing,
Though danger awaits them on every side;
Yon rock — see it frowning!
They strike — they are drowning!
But downward they speed with the merciless tide:
No voice cheers the Rapid, that angrily, angrily
Shivers their bark in its maddening play;
Gaily they entered it — heedlessly recklessly,
Mingling their lives with its treacherous spray!