They moved all the horses and cattle and corn
Near the house, and there likewise they stacked up the hay.
Thus the morning hours passed with forebodings away,
With many reproaches and bitter complaints,
That none came to rescue—and two or three faints.
If in darkness they’d longed for the coming of light,
(While regretting their folly, they’d thought of their plight),
Still the danger seemed greater that noon-day had brought,
As even that came with a new peril fraught.
For the river still rose and the horses and cattle