Book IV.
THE CHACE.
121
Beneath the slimy Mud; nor yet escapes 370
The crimson-spotted Trout, the River's Pride,
And Beauty of the Stream. Without Remorse,
This midnight Pillager ranging around,
Insatiate swallows all. The Owner mourns
Th' unpeopled Rivulet, and gladly hears 375
The Huntsman's early Call, and sees with Joy
The jovial Crew, that march upon its Banks
In gay Parade, with bearded Lances arm'd.
The crimson-spotted Trout, the River's Pride,
And Beauty of the Stream. Without Remorse,
This midnight Pillager ranging around,
Insatiate swallows all. The Owner mourns
Th' unpeopled Rivulet, and gladly hears 375
The Huntsman's early Call, and sees with Joy
The jovial Crew, that march upon its Banks
In gay Parade, with bearded Lances arm'd.
This subtle Spoiler of the Beaver kind,
Far off perhaps, where ancient Alders shade 380
The deep still Pool; within some hollow Trunk
Contrives his wicker Couch: Whence he surveys
His long Purlieu, Lord of the Stream, and all
The finny Shoals his own. But you, brave Youths,
Dispute the Felon's Claim; try ev'ry Root, 385
And ev'ry reedy Bank; encourage all
Far off perhaps, where ancient Alders shade 380
The deep still Pool; within some hollow Trunk
Contrives his wicker Couch: Whence he surveys
His long Purlieu, Lord of the Stream, and all
The finny Shoals his own. But you, brave Youths,
Dispute the Felon's Claim; try ev'ry Root, 385
And ev'ry reedy Bank; encourage all
The
