hey took their _seat_;
The _step_ outside was covered o'er with snow some inches thick,
The hedges, they were covered, too, you scarce could see a stick.
'This _Family Coach_ was said to be the warmest in the town;
My dear, I don't agree again,' said angry _Mrs. Brown_.
'Let's draw these _curtains_, for my _seat_ is in a horrid draught;'
At which the other passengers looked up, and then they laughed.
'There's very little light comes through these _windows_ now,' they said;
'And if these _curtains_ are drawn round, we might all be in bed.'
'I never go to sleep until I've had a supper good,
And among my fellow-passengers I don't see one who would.
I'm much afraid we shan't get one, at any rate to-night;
The _wheels_ scarce go, this _Family Coach_ is in a pretty plight!
Let's put the _dog_ inside with us, he is so cold, poor chap;
And he may sleep upon this _rug_--if you object, my lap.'
The _coachman's whip_ was broken quite, he urged the _horses_ so,
But all this was of no avail, the _horses_ could not go.
'The snow has drifted high,' the _coachman_ opened the _door_, and said,
'I do believe the _horses_ are very nearly dead.
I never knew this happen to my _Family Coach_ before,
And if I'd known I would have brought two good, strong _horses_ more.
The _horse_ that is the least done up is jolly little "Clown,"
And by your leave, if you'll stay here, I'll ride off to the town;
In two good hours I will come back with four good _horses_ more,
And long before the morning comes you'll find your own friends' door,'
They shouted out as in one voice, 'And, _coachman_, if you please,
Do bring us something back to eat, if only bread and cheese!'
'All right!' the _coachman_ said; 'and here's my _lamp_, for it is dark,
Although the little light it gives is not more than a spark.
If you, good sirs, would take my place, and mind these _horses_ three,
The ladies on the _cushions_ quite warm and snug might be.
This _Family Coach_contains a _box_, and in it you will see
A poker and some other things, and they might useful be.'
With this the _coachman_ said 'Good-bye,' and mounted on the 'Clown.'
He left the _Family Coach_ to reach Braintree--a market town.
A hunt was made, the _box_ was found just underneath the _seat_,
The ladies lay on _cushions_ with _rugs_ wrapt round their feet.
'I'll take this good strong poker,' said brave old _Mr. Brown_,
'And if a robber