One crumb to bear through the lambent air

Was past the power of wings.

Beside his door he sat 'till noon

When a bullock-team came by;

The echoes 'round with the whips resound,

And the drivers' cheery cry.

Upon the dray a piece he threw

No bigger than your hand,

Of the cursed thing, 'twas enough to bring

The bullocks to a stand.