1878.



VOYAGE OF THE JETTIE.

The picturesquely situated Wayside Inn at West Ossipee, N. H., is
now in ashes; and to its former guests these somewhat careless
rhymes may be a not unwelcome reminder of pleasant summers and
autumns on the banks of the Bearcamp and Chocorua. To the author
himself they have a special interest from the fact that they were
written, or improvised, under the eye and for the amusement of a
beloved invalid friend whose last earthly sunsets faded from the
mountain ranges of Ossipee and Sandwich.

A shallow stream, from fountains
Deep in the Sandwich mountains,
Ran lake ward Bearcamp River;
And, between its flood-torn shores,
Sped by sail or urged by oars
No keel had vexed it ever.

Alone the dead trees yielding
To the dull axe Time is wielding,
The shy mink and the otter,
And golden leaves and red,
By countless autumns shed,
Had floated down its water.

From the gray rocks of Cape Ann,