BEWARE!
I KNOW a rink that's fair to see,
Take care!
It can both kind and cruel be,
Beware! Beware!
Trust it not,
It will injure thee!
It has two skates to lend to you,
Take care!
With wheels that oft want oiling too,
Beware! Beware!
Trust it not,
It will injure thee!
It has a surface smooth as glass,
Take care!
For you can't see what will come to pass,
Beware! Beware!
Trust it not,
It will injure thee.
It shows your wondrous grace and skill,
Take care!
But naught it says about a spill,
Beware! Beware!
Trust it not,
It will injure thee!
It tells you much of pleasure there,
Take care!
'Tis a delusion and a snare,
Beware! Beware!
Trust it not,
It will injure thee!"
Idyls of the Rink, 1876.