[Note 580.1] Laborare Est Ovare translates as “to work is to pray”. It from the rule of St Benedict and was adopted by the Freemasons. The theme of a driver or fireman putting the safety of their passengers before their own well-being is common.

[Note 580.2] Many railway workers were killed and injured in the course of their work. The poem reads as though it was inspired by a real event.