56
POEMS BY CLARA A. MERRILL
THE COTTAGE BY THE RIVER
(Lines on a very old house situated on the west shore of the Nezinscot river, and some distance from any other dwelling.)
On the bank of Old Nezinscot, Where the sparkling waters flow Down this sea-ward course, as freely As the roving winds that blow. Stands a cottage by the river— (Built upon the side-hill plan;—Think it was a blacksmith built it Else it was a crazy man!
Must have been an awful ship wreck Once, upon Nezinscot's waves; When a score or more of sailors Went down to their watery graves—All except old Robinson Crusoe, Guess he landed on a scow; And this fact seems most emphatic For man "Friday" lives there now!
Probably, from out the wreckage They contrived to save their goods,—Then, with jack-knife and a hatchet Built this cottage in the woods—
