Eulogy for a footplate-man killed by a fall from the locomotive.
Laborare Est Ovare [Note 580.1]
Down from the engine thrown,
Wounded to death,
What were the words he spoke
With his last breath?
Was it a cry for aid,
Helpless lying
There in the rain—meet help
For the dying ?
Nay, he had words to speak
Whate’er betide,
"Signal the down express "
Gasped he and died [Note 580.2]
Done that he had to do,
What shall be said ?
Silence is best—what words
Meet for this dead?