“Learn of the little Nautilus to sail.”

So forth they started at the signal gun,

And down the river had three leagues to run;

This sail’d, they then their watery way retrace,

And the first landed conquers in the race. 180

The crowd await, till they no more discern;

Then, parting, say, “At evening we return.”

I could proceed; but you will guess the fate,

And but too well my tale anticipate.

P. True! yet proceed—