For bolts and bars they little care

For bolts and bars they little care If but a nail is wanting there! Or, failing this, with ease descend Like Santa Claus and gain their end As children to the windows fly At news of Jumbo passing by, So rushed the eager band away To fields of ice without delay.

Though far too large at heel and toe, The skates were somehow made to go. But out behind and out before, Like spurs, they stuck a span or more, Alike afflicting foe and friend In bringing journeys to an end. They had their slips and sudden spreads, Where heels flew higher than their heads, As people do, however nice, When venturing first upon the ice. But soon they learned to curve and wheel And cut fine scrolls with scoring steel, To race in clusters to and fro, To jump and turn and backward go, Until a rest on bed so cool, Was more the wonder than the rule.