Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Accidents, Scientific Practitioners, Expertise, Monstrosities

Institutions mentioned:

Atlantic Telegraph Company

    Opens by describing the motionless state of the Atlantic telegraph cables on the ocean bed, but then observes that the cable 'Has a second time failed [...] And why, the sages are wholly unable [...] to explain'. Notes that this is to be expected of sages 'Being out of their depth when they get where [the cable] lies'. Concludes by arguing that the failure of the cable is plain 'to the simple'—it is due to 'The [Sea] Serpent enormous' who 'Cuts the Cable right through with teeth sharp as a knife'.