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Part I.
PETER BELL.
33
What followed?—yielding to the shock
The Ass, as if to take his ease,
In quiet uncomplaining mood
Upon the spot where he had stood
Dropt gently down upon his knees.
And then upon his side he fell
And by the river's brink did lie
And, as he lay like one that mourn'd,
The patient beast on Peter turn'd
His shining hazel eye.
'Twas but one mild, reproachful look,
A look more tender than severe;
And straight in sorrow, not in dread,
He turn'd the eye-ball in his head
Towards the river deep and clear.
