66
THE CHACE.
Book III.
So Ships in Winter-Seas now sliding sink
Adown the steepy Wave, then toss'd on high
Ride on the Billows, and defy the Storm.
Adown the steepy Wave, then toss'd on high
Ride on the Billows, and defy the Storm.
What Lengths we pass! where will the wand'ring Chace 100
Lead us bewilder'd! smooth as Swallows skim
The new-shorn Mead, and far more swift we fly.
See my brave Pack; how to the Head they press,
Justling in close Array, then more diffuse
Obliquely wheel, while from their op'ning Mouths
The vollied Thunder breaks. So when the Cranes
Their annual Voyage steer, with wanton Wing
Their Figure oft they change, and their loud clang
From Cloud to Cloud rebounds. How far behind
The Hunter-Crew, wide-straggling o'er the Plain!
The panting Courser now with trembling Nerves
Begins to reel; urg'd by the goreing Spur,
Lead us bewilder'd! smooth as Swallows skim
The new-shorn Mead, and far more swift we fly.
See my brave Pack; how to the Head they press,
Justling in close Array, then more diffuse
Obliquely wheel, while from their op'ning Mouths
The vollied Thunder breaks. So when the Cranes
Their annual Voyage steer, with wanton Wing
Their Figure oft they change, and their loud clang
From Cloud to Cloud rebounds. How far behind
The Hunter-Crew, wide-straggling o'er the Plain!
The panting Courser now with trembling Nerves
Begins to reel; urg'd by the goreing Spur,
Makes
