I.

The backwater was snug and fair,
And the gay Canoeist cavorted there.
Thinks he, "I have built up everywhere
A reputation for pluck and stay!"
Amidst the reeds the river ran;
Behind them floated a Grand Old Swan,
And loudly did lament
The better deeds of a better day;
Ever the gray Canoeist went on,
Making his memos. as he went.

II.

"My foes are piqued, I must suppose,
But cannot see their way to a 'Cry.'"
(So mused the man with the Semite nose,
As up the backwater he swept.)
"What I like" (said he) "in this nook so shy,
Is that I am quiet, and free as a swallow,
Squaring accounts at my own sweet will.
With never a fear of the Big Swan's Bill!
The Swan's as quiet as though he slept.
I fancy I've funked the fierce old fellow!"

III.

The Grand Old Swan came out of his hole,