Lines in Pleasant Places Rhythmics of many moods and quantities. Wise and otherwise |
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[There was a fire the other day] |
 | Lines in Pleasant Places |  |
[There was a fire the other day]
There was a fire the other day,And the bell in fury clanged away,
Making a loud and furious din,
Public cognizance to win.
Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire!
The noise each moment rising higher,
While at the rope, with brawny hand,
A sturdy Irishman did stand.
The people rushed in wildest mood
To where the bellman, ringing, stood.
“O, where's the fire, my man?” said they;
“At the fire,” he said, and pulled away.
“And where, O man, may the fire be?”
“Never a bit I know,” said he.
“Then why ring'st thou, O man of nerve?”
No whit did he from ringing swerve,
But said, as he swung the bell in air,
“Be jabers, I don't know nor care.”
Then I did marvel this man to hear,
But it all proper did appear,
Because, unto myself I said,
He only acts as he is led.
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That, where you hear the greatest noise,
'Mongst those who make the biggest rout,
The least is known what 'tis about.
So he rung on till weary grown,
And then he let the bell alone.
'Tis thus with every noisy elf:
Reply not, and he dies himself.
| Lines in Pleasant Places | |