Two travelling companions on a train they did ride,
With a basket of fruit and flowers by their side,
Both in fine dresses of grey and gloves too,
Passing by the coast with the sea rich and blue,
With hats on their laps sporting feathers so proud,
The train chugs along with a rythm not loud,
A book is being read by the lady on the right,
Her companion in a slumber, a peaceful sight,
with hands clasped on her lap, enjoying a nap,
The journey for her will soon end.
As they pass by the coast, she will miss the most,
Never knowing what was round the bend.
Her friend with the book, has a very different look,
As she reads and learns something new.
This painting is bold,as the story unfolds,
There's a moral for me and for you.
To dream through your day, is a waste so they say,
Do not fritter away your life,
To study and read, is what you need,
For a lady to make a good wife,
Augustus Leopold Egg painted this scene,
And was clear about what it did mean,
I'm glad to have met these companions in a carriage,
And have no doubt her sleep will not affect her marriage.