O hinder me by no delay,
My horse is weary of the way;
His breast must stem the tide
Whose waves are foaming far and wide.

Miles off I heard their thundering roar,
As fast as they burst upon the shore;
A stronger steed than mine might dread
To brave them in their boiling bed.

So spoke the traveler, but in vain;
The stranger would not turn away;
Still she clung to his bridle rein,
And still entreated him to stay.