’Twas pumping—my knees, too, got in my way,
And a troublesome horse-fly was biting my back.
The flush of exertion broke out on my face,
And the skin-wearing car handle gave me great pain,
And I vowed in my heart this should be my last race,
And thrice ere the finish I vowed it again.
Put it on—well-rowed all—now you’re gaining—full oft
I heard on the bank from many a tongue,
And the cheers of our comrades that went up aloft
From many a loud-shouting ear-splitting lung.