They dashed down the stream like a terrified steed;

The surges delight them, no terrors affright them,

Their voices keep pace with their quickening speed;

“Hurrah for the Rapid! that merrily, merrily

Shivers its arrows against us in play;

Now we have entered it, cheerily, cheerily,

Our spirits as light as its feathery spray.”

Fast downwards they’re dashing, each fearless eye flashing,

Though danger awaits them on every side;

Yon rock—see it frowning! they strike—they are drowning!