52. The Song of the Engine

With snort and pant the engine dragged

The heavy train uphill,

And gasped these words the while she puffed

And laboured with a will:

"I think - I can - I think - I can,

I've got - to reach - the top;

I'm sure - I can - I will - get there,

I sim - ply must - not stop!"

At last the top was reached and passed,

And then, how changed the song!

Unbounded was the engine's joy,

As she rapidly sped along!

"I knew I could do it, I knew I could win,

Oh, clickety clackety clack!

And now for a roaring rushing race

Down my smooth and shining track!'"

                                 H. Worsley-Benison