Book II.
THE CHACE.
53
Seem all one Flame, and the bright Circuit wide
Appears a Bulwark of surrounding Fire.
What dreadful Howlings, and what hideous Roar, 425
Disturb those peaceful Shades! where erst the Bird
That glads the Night, had chear'd the list'ning Groves
With sweet Complainings. Thro' the silent Gloom
Oft they the Guards assail; as oft repell'd
They fly reluctant, with hot-boiling Rage 430
Stung to the Quick, and mad with wild Despair.
Thus Day by Day, they still the Chace renew;
At Night encamp; 'till now in streighter Bounds
The Circle lessens, and the Beasts perceive
The Wall that hems them in on ev'ry Side. 435
And now their Fury bursts, and knows no Mean;
From Man they turn, and point their ill-judg'd Rage
Against their fellow Brutes. With Teeth and Claws
The Civil War begins; grapling they tear,
Appears a Bulwark of surrounding Fire.
What dreadful Howlings, and what hideous Roar, 425
Disturb those peaceful Shades! where erst the Bird
That glads the Night, had chear'd the list'ning Groves
With sweet Complainings. Thro' the silent Gloom
Oft they the Guards assail; as oft repell'd
They fly reluctant, with hot-boiling Rage 430
Stung to the Quick, and mad with wild Despair.
Thus Day by Day, they still the Chace renew;
At Night encamp; 'till now in streighter Bounds
The Circle lessens, and the Beasts perceive
The Wall that hems them in on ev'ry Side. 435
And now their Fury bursts, and knows no Mean;
From Man they turn, and point their ill-judg'd Rage
Against their fellow Brutes. With Teeth and Claws
The Civil War begins; grapling they tear,
Lions
