Hurrah! we're afloat, and away speeds the boat as fast as its paddles
can go,
With the wind on its back, and a broad foaming track behind it, as white
as the snow.
On board, every eye is strained to descry the white cliffs of our own
native land,
And brightly they gleam, as onward we steam, till at length they are
close at hand.
The sun shines with glee on the rippling sea, and the pennant strung
high on the mast.
But at length it sinks down behind the grey town, and tells us the day
is nigh past.
See, there is the port, and near it a fort, and the strong old Castle
of Dover--
We're close to the shore--just five minutes more, and the Channel
Crossing is over.
Then all safe and sound upon English ground, we bid farewell to the
sea--
Jump into the train, and start off again as fast as the engine can flee.
We run up to town, and thence travel down to the home in the country,
at night;
Then, I'm sorry to say, dear Nellie and May, Rose, Dennis, and Bertie
bright,
We must leave in their home till next holidays come, when, let all of
us hope, it may chance
That our trip will, next Spring, be as pleasant a thing as our
swallow-flight over to France.
[Illustration]
. BON RETOUR .
NOW THAT AT LAST WE'RE SAFELY BACK AGAIN,
AND AS UPON THE RAILWAY BRIDGE THE TRAIN
IS STAYED SOME MOMENTS, LET US SAY GOOD-BYE,
AND ASK IF YOU'VE ENJOYED THE TRIP, AND TRY
TO THINK THAT SOON AGAIN WE'RE SURE TO MEET,
ON COUNTRY ROAD OR IN THE CROWDED STREET,
AND ERE WE PART, STILL LINGER FOR A WHILE,
VIEWING THIS TRANQUIL SCENE WITH PENSIVE SMILE,--
THE EVENING GLOW, THE RIVER'S FALLING TIDE,
SAINT PAUL'S FAMILIAR DOME AND LONDON'S PRIDE.
. AU REVOIR BIENTOT .
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.