Sequel to the "One-Horse Shay"

Doubtless my readers all have heardOf the "wonderful one-horse shay "That "went to pieces all at once"On the terrible earthquake-day.

But did they ever think of the horse,Or mourn the loss of him,—The "ewe-necked bay" (who drew the "shay"),So full of life and vim?

He was a wonderful nag, I'm told,In spite of his old "rat-tail;"And, though he always minded the rein,He laughed at the snow and hail.

He had the finest stable in town,With plenty of oats and hay;And to the parson's oft "Hud-dup"He never would answer neigh.

To the parson's shay he was ever true,Though her other felloes were tired:To live and die with his fiancéeWas all that his heart desired.

He was much attached to his ancient mate;So the parson "hitched them together;"And, when they went on their bridle tour,His heart was light as a feather.

We all remember her awful fate,On that sad November day,When nothing remained but a heap of trash,That once was a beautiful shay.

Oh! what could stir-up the equine breastLike this fearful, harrowing blow.Which put a check on his happiness,And filled his heart with w(h)oa.

As he wheeled about, a shaft of painEntered his faithful breast,As he there beheld the sad remainsOf her whom he loved the best.

With a sudden bound and fearful snort,He sped away like the wind;And a fact most queer I'll mention here, —No traces were left behind.