A reckless driver derails a train.
It was a dark and stormy night, the snow was falling fast
I stood on Thorpbridge Junction where the reckless Moses passed [Note 253.1]
His hair was wildly waving as through the air he sped [Note 253.2]
He’d never had such doings since he started at the shed.
The signals set at Newton Heath, the shed was close at hand
He sent his mate for some more oil and a couple of bags of sand
At Moston's dreary cutting the struggle was extreme
Both front tenders failed to work and the engine wouldn’t steam [Note 253.3]
On passing Hopwood cabin, he heard the engine groan
And reaching for the tallow pot, he broke his collar bone
When Castleton appeared in view, he shook his weary head
And stepping over to his mate, this is what he said
I’ve worked upon the L & Y for forty years or more [Note 253.4]
But such a wretched night as this I’ve never had before
At Hebden Bridge they stopped the train some wagons to reload
And Moses shouted to his mate “We’re off the bloomin’ road”
Up came old Moses, stick in hand, his head hung down with grief
He viewed the scene contemptuously and then wired for relief
Pray don’t lay violent hands on me poor Valentine did exclaim
I know you’ve done your very best; I know you’re not to blame.
The flowers may bud and bloom in spring, and memories fade away
But they will not forget that night until their dying day
But when I’m dead and laid to rest, place on my grave sweet roses
These were I’m told the very last pathetic words of Moses.