The engines thunder'd through the street,

Fire-hook, pipe, bucket, all complete,

And torches glared, and clattering feet

Along the pavement paced.

And one, the leader of the band,

From Charing Cross along the Strand,

Like stag by beagles hunted hard,

Ran till he stopp'd at Vin'gar Yard.

The burning badge his shoulder bore,

The belt and oil-skin hat he wore,