The citizens of London West + 

Their patience oft is put to test + 

When they behold the various dams + 

Do cause the floods and the ice jams. + 

’Tis true that fiercer rages floods + 

Since country it was stript of woods, + 

Acid river it doth broader spread + 

With numerous tile drains quicker fed. + 

If they did raise embankment high + 

They might the raging floods defy. + 

Shall they with sadness gaze ever, + 

Or with gladness on the river? + 

River with dams it will not wed, + 

It wants no strangers in its bed, + 

And ’gainst them it will rage and fret + 

For ’tis no gentle rivulet. + 