AFTER THE PORTUGUESE AND ITALIAN

I. In a Riding Rink .

Stay not, with lingering foot, O learner, here,
Seek the expansion of the country ride;
Firm be thy step, thy heart will banish fear
In brighter scenes this posy path denied,
Far from the shade of tall and brick abodes,
Where stand the suburb mansions of delight.
Stay-not, but on the superior turn b ike roads
Find the best basis of bicycling height.
And there to cheer thy firstly toilsome way,
See many a coaster glitter down the hill!
Pure gales refreshing softly round thee play,
Warm sunshine smiles; beware of headers still.
Once skilful there, free of beginner's strife;
Health is a certainty, and ride is life.

II. A Senior's Intent .

Bicycle, ride! more lively than serene,
Whether in urban streets or rural ways,
Where health led me with so mercurial mien,
Winging my feet these five years' fleeting days;
I must forebear your heights! and though my heart
Declines the chances of your harms before,
'Tis but ambition for a greater part —
Still strengthening limbs will manage one wheel more!
Let Tricycle through many a future day
To distant towns this mortal form convey,
Journeying inland or skirting ocean's wave;
Yet my song musical, to memory true,
On thought's light pedals oft shall fly with you,
And still, Bicycle, in your praises rave.