Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce, Charlatanry

    Describes the grim consequences of an 'insolvent [railway] line', including a 'taxed-cart' on which had been scrawled 'To Be Sold'. Ponders the identity of the cart, suggesting that he may have invested in 'rotten shares', and, on hearing the 'screech of steam' from a train, expresses relief that he did not invest in the line. Suggests that the 'taxed-cart might instruct the wise / How cash might well be spent'.