He comes, the herald of a noisy world,

With spattered boots, strapped waist, and frozen locks;

News from all nations lumbering at his back.

True to his charge, the close-packed load behind.

Yet careless what he brings, his one concern

Is to conduct it to the destined inn;

And having dropped the expected bag, pass on.

He whistles as he goes, light-hearted wretch!

Cold and yet cheerful; messenger of grief

Perhaps to thousands, and of joy to some;