I journeyed steadily all that day—
Through brake and brier I made my way;
For stream or hill I did not stay.
At set of sun I made my camp
Mid alder bushes thick and damp,
And at the dawn resumed my tramp.
I reached the meeting-place at eight,
But, though no laggard, came too late—
They had not thought for me to wait.
Oh, fatal haste, so soon to stir!