A thrill of excitement runs all down my quill,

And, in spite of the water, I try to keep still.

I’m a float! I’m a float! and I’m fair on the job,

If the fishes below only give me a bob!

But then if the scaly ’un goes for that bait,

To my master the news in a crack I relate—

Yes!—no!—eh?—bravo?—“bob!”—right under I go!

But I’m drawn up again in a minute or so.

Slow but sure towards land a forced passage I make,

A big golden carp pulling well in my wake!