A Dampened Ardor + 

The Chinatown at Bakersfield + 

Was blazing bright and high; + 

The flames to water would not yield, + 

Though torrents drenched the sky + 

And drowned the ground for miles around⁠— + 

The houses were so dry. + 

Then rose an aged preacher man + 

Whom all did much admire, + 

Who said: “To force on you my plan + 

I truly don’t aspire, + 

But streams, it seems, might quench these beams + 

If turned upon the fire.” + 

The fireman said: “This hoary wight + 

His folly dares to thrust + 

On us! ’Twere well he felt our might⁠— + 

Nay, he shall feel our must!” + 

With jet of wet and small regret + 

They laid that old man’s dust. + 