The swift Rhine ran below them.
Full handy to Rupert the Red was the Rhine:
Rich travellers passing were asked to dine,
And when he’d sufficiently hocussed their wine,
Why—into its waters he’d throw them!
But stories will spread, howe’er you may try
To stifle Dame Rumour—and so, by-and-bye,
He found himself shunned by all far and nigh;
And when asked to dinner, each neighbour fought shy.
The bell ne’er was rung, and no stranger implored