THE simple Jane was sent to bring

Fresh water from the neighb'ring spring;

The matter pressed, no time to waste,

Jane took her jug, and ran in haste

The well to reach, but in her flurry

(The more the speed the worse the hurry),

Tripped on a rolling stone, and broke

Her precious pitcher,—ah! no joke!

Nay, grave mishap! 'twere better far

To break her neck than such a jar!