Lest some should venture, over-bold

Lest some should venture, over-bold, And fall a prey to cramp and cold,— A few began from piers to leap And plunge at once in water deep, But more to shiver, shrink, and shout As step by step they ventured out; While others were content to stay In shallow surf, to duck and play Along the lines that people laid To give the weak and timid aid.

It was a sight one should behold, When o'er the crowd the breakers rolled;— One took a header through the wave, One floated like a chip or stave, While others there, at every plunge, Were taking water like a sponge.