Deck’d in robes of virgin white....
“Water leaps as if delighted
While the conquered foes retire!
Pale Contagion flies affrighted
With the baffled demon, Fire!...
“Round the Aqueducts of story,
As the mists of Lethe throng,
Croton’s waves in all their glory
Troop in melody along.”
From his post on the sidewalk RoBards could hear snatches of the speeches, bursts of song. He joined in the “nine hearty cheers for the City of New York and perpetuity to the Croton Water” when the Grand Marshal called for them.