Adown the crowded river,

For tide may ebb and tide may flow,

But I steam on for ever!

I drown with my shrill whistle’s scream

The blackbird’s piping trebles;

I churn up mud and foul the stream

Above the tide-worn pebbles.

With many a wave the punts I fret,

My wash engulphs them neatly;

I many a dainty lady wet,