The Chace/Book 3
The Argument of the Third Book.
Of King Edgar and his imposing a Tribute of Wolves Heads upon the Kings of Wales: From hence a Transition to Fox-Hunting, which is described in all its Parts. Censure of an over-numerous Pack. Of the several Engines to destroy Foxes, and other Wild Beasts. The Steel-Trap described, and the Manner of using it. Description of the Pitfall for the Lion; and another for the Elephant. The ancient Way of Hunting the Tyger with a Mirror. The Arabian Manner of Hunting the Wild Boar. Description of the Royal Stag-Chace at Windsor Forest. Concludes with an Address to his Majesty, and an Eulogy upon Mercy.
BOOK the Third.
In Albion's Isle when glorious Edgar reign'd,
He wisely provident, from her white Cliffs
Launch'd half her Forests, and with num'rous Fleets
Cover'd his wide Domain: There proudly rode
Lord of the Deep, the great Prerogative 5
Of British Monarchs. Each Invader bold,
Dane and Norwegian, at a Distance gaz'd,
And disappointed, gnash'd his Teeth in vain.
He scour'd the Seas, and to remotest Shores
With swelling Sails the trembling Corsair fled. 10
Rich Commerce flourish'd; and with busy Oars
Dash'd the resounding Surge. Nor less at Land
His royal Cares; wise, potent, gracious Prince!
His Subjects from their cruel Foes he sav'd,
And from rapacious Savages their Flocks. 15
Cambria's proud Kings (tho' with Reluctance) paid
Their tributary Wolves; Head after Head,
In full Account, 'till the Woods yield no more,
And all the rav'nous Race extinct is lost.
In fertile Pastures, more securely graz'd 20
The social Troops; and soon their large Increase
With curling Fleeces whiten'd all the Plains.
But yet alas! the wily Fox remain'd,
A subtle, pilf'ring Foe, proling around
In Midnight Shades, and wakeful to destroy. 25
In the full Fold, the poor defenceless Lamb,
Seiz'd by his guileful Arts, with sweet warm Blood
Supplies a rich Repast. The mournful Ewe,
Her dearest Treasure lost, thro' the dun Night
Wanders perplex'd, and darkling bleats in vain:
While in th'adjacent Bush, poor Philomel,
(Her self a Parent once, 'till wanton Churls
Despoil'd her Nest) joins in her loud Laments,
With sweeter Notes, and more melodious Woe.
He wisely provident, from her white Cliffs
Launch'd half her Forests, and with num'rous Fleets
Cover'd his wide Domain: There proudly rode
Lord of the Deep, the great Prerogative 5
Of British Monarchs. Each Invader bold,
Dane and Norwegian, at a Distance gaz'd,
And disappointed, gnash'd his Teeth in vain.
He scour'd the Seas, and to remotest Shores
With swelling Sails the trembling Corsair fled. 10
Rich Commerce flourish'd; and with busy Oars
Dash'd the resounding Surge. Nor less at Land
His royal Cares; wise, potent, gracious Prince!
His Subjects from their cruel Foes he sav'd,
And from rapacious Savages their Flocks. 15
Cambria's proud Kings (tho' with Reluctance) paid
Their tributary Wolves; Head after Head,
In full Account, 'till the Woods yield no more,
And all the rav'nous Race extinct is lost.
In fertile Pastures, more securely graz'd 20
The social Troops; and soon their large Increase
With curling Fleeces whiten'd all the Plains.
But yet alas! the wily Fox remain'd,
A subtle, pilf'ring Foe, proling around
In Midnight Shades, and wakeful to destroy. 25
In the full Fold, the poor defenceless Lamb,
Seiz'd by his guileful Arts, with sweet warm Blood
Supplies a rich Repast. The mournful Ewe,
Her dearest Treasure lost, thro' the dun Night
Wanders perplex'd, and darkling bleats in vain:
While in th'adjacent Bush, poor Philomel,
(Her self a Parent once, 'till wanton Churls
Despoil'd her Nest) joins in her loud Laments,
With sweeter Notes, and more melodious Woe.
For these nocturnal Thieves, Huntsman, prepare
Thy sharpest Vengeance. Oh! how glorious 'tis
To right th' oppress'd, and bring the Felon vile
To just Disgrace! E'er yet the Morning peep,
Or Stars retire from the first Blush of Day,
With thy far-echoeing Voice alarm thy Pack, 40
And rouse thy bold Compeers. Then to the Copse,
Thick with entangling Grass, or prickly Furze
With Silence lead thy many-colour'd Hounds,
In all their Beauty's Pride. See! how they range
Dispers'd, how busily this Way and that, 45
They cross, examining with curious Nose
Each likely Haunt. Hark! on the Drag I hear
Their doubtful Notes, preluding to a Cry
More nobly full, and swell'd with ev'ry Mouth.
As straggling Armies, at the Trumpet's Voice, 50
Press to their Standard; hither all repair,
And hurry thro' the Woods; with hasty Step
Rustling, and full of Hope; now driv'n on Heaps
They push, they strive; while from his Kennel sneaks
The conscious Villain. See! he skulks along, 55
Slick at the Shepherd's Cost, and plump with Meals
Purloin'd. So thrive the Wicked here below.
Tho' high his Brush he bear, tho' tipt with white
It gayly shine; yet e're the Sun declin'd
Recall the Shades of Night, the pamper'd Rogue 60
Shall rue his Fate revers'd; and at his Heels
Behold the just Avenger, swift to seize
His forfeit Head, and thirsting for his Blood.
Heavens! what melodious Strains! how beat
our Hearts
Big with tumultuous Joy! the loaded Gales 65
Breath Harmony; and as the Tempest drives
From Wood to Wood, thro' ev'ry dark Recess
The Forest thunders, and the Mountains shake.
The Chorus swells; less various, and less sweet
The trilling Notes, when in those very Groves, 70
The feather'd Choristers salute the Spring,
And ev'ry Bush in Consort joins; or when
The Master's Hand, in modulated Air,
Bids the loud Organ breath, and all the Pow'rs
Of Musick in one Instrument combine,
An universal Minstrelsy. And now
In vain each Earth he tries, the Doors are barr'd
Impregnable, nor is the Covert safe;
He pants for purer Air. Hark! what loud Shouts
Re-echo thro' the Groves! he breaks away, 80
Shrill Horns proclaim his Flight. Each straggling Hound
Strains o'er the Lawn to reach the distant Pack,
'Tis Triumph all and Joy. Now, my brave Youths,
Now give a Loose to the clean gen'rous Steed;
Flourish the Whip, nor spare the galling Spur; 85
But in the Madness of Delight, forget
Your Fears, Far o'er the rocky Hills we range,
And dangerous our Course; but in the Brave
True Courage never fails. In vain the Stream
In foaming Eddies whirls; in vain the Ditch 90
Wide-gaping threatens Death. The craggy Steep,
Where the poor dizzy Shepherd crawls with Care,
And clings to ev'ry Twig, gives us no Pain;
But down we sweep, as stoops the Falcon bold
To pounce his Prey. Then up th' opponent Hill, 95
By the swift Motion flung, we mount aloft
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.
Thy sharpest Vengeance. Oh! how glorious 'tis
To right th' oppress'd, and bring the Felon vile
To just Disgrace! E'er yet the Morning peep,
Or Stars retire from the first Blush of Day,
With thy far-echoeing Voice alarm thy Pack, 40
And rouse thy bold Compeers. Then to the Copse,
Thick with entangling Grass, or prickly Furze
With Silence lead thy many-colour'd Hounds,
In all their Beauty's Pride. See! how they range
Dispers'd, how busily this Way and that, 45
They cross, examining with curious Nose
Each likely Haunt. Hark! on the Drag I hear
Their doubtful Notes, preluding to a Cry
More nobly full, and swell'd with ev'ry Mouth.
As straggling Armies, at the Trumpet's Voice, 50
Press to their Standard; hither all repair,
And hurry thro' the Woods; with hasty Step
Rustling, and full of Hope; now driv'n on Heaps
They push, they strive; while from his Kennel sneaks
The conscious Villain. See! he skulks along, 55
Slick at the Shepherd's Cost, and plump with Meals
Purloin'd. So thrive the Wicked here below.
Tho' high his Brush he bear, tho' tipt with white
It gayly shine; yet e're the Sun declin'd
Recall the Shades of Night, the pamper'd Rogue 60
Shall rue his Fate revers'd; and at his Heels
Behold the just Avenger, swift to seize
His forfeit Head, and thirsting for his Blood.
Heavens! what melodious Strains! how beat
our Hearts
Big with tumultuous Joy! the loaded Gales 65
Breath Harmony; and as the Tempest drives
From Wood to Wood, thro' ev'ry dark Recess
The Forest thunders, and the Mountains shake.
The Chorus swells; less various, and less sweet
The trilling Notes, when in those very Groves, 70
The feather'd Choristers salute the Spring,
And ev'ry Bush in Consort joins; or when
The Master's Hand, in modulated Air,
Bids the loud Organ breath, and all the Pow'rs
Of Musick in one Instrument combine,
An universal Minstrelsy. And now
In vain each Earth he tries, the Doors are barr'd
Impregnable, nor is the Covert safe;
He pants for purer Air. Hark! what loud Shouts
Re-echo thro' the Groves! he breaks away, 80
Shrill Horns proclaim his Flight. Each straggling Hound
Strains o'er the Lawn to reach the distant Pack,
'Tis Triumph all and Joy. Now, my brave Youths,
Now give a Loose to the clean gen'rous Steed;
Flourish the Whip, nor spare the galling Spur; 85
But in the Madness of Delight, forget
Your Fears, Far o'er the rocky Hills we range,
And dangerous our Course; but in the Brave
True Courage never fails. In vain the Stream
In foaming Eddies whirls; in vain the Ditch 90
Wide-gaping threatens Death. The craggy Steep,
Where the poor dizzy Shepherd crawls with Care,
And clings to ev'ry Twig, gives us no Pain;
But down we sweep, as stoops the Falcon bold
To pounce his Prey. Then up th' opponent Hill, 95
By the swift Motion flung, we mount aloft
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.
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,
Makes many a faint Effort: He snorts, he foams,
The big round Drops run trickling down his Sides,
With Sweat and Blood distain'd. Look back and view 115
The strange Confusion of the Vale below,
Where sow'r Vexation reigns; see yon poor Jade,
In vain th' impatient Rider frets and swears,
With galling Spurs harrows his mangled Sides;
He can no more: His stiff unpliant Limbs 120
Rooted in Earth, unmov'd, and fix'd he stands,
For ev'ry cruel Curse returns a Groan,
And sobs, and faints, and dies. Who without Grief
Can view that pamper'd Steed, his Master's Joy,
His Minion, and his daily Care, well cloath'd, 125
Well-fed with ev'ry nicer Cate; no Cost,
No Labour spar'd; who, when the flying Chace
Broke from the Copse, without a Rival led
The num'rous Train: Now a sad Spectacle
Of Pride brought low, and humbled Insolence, 130
Drove like a pannier'd Ass, and scourg'd along.
While these with loosen'd Reins, and dangling Heels,
Hang on their reeling Palfreys, that scarce bear
Their Weights; another in the treach'rous Bog
Lies flound'ring half ingulph'd. What biteing Thoughts 135
Torment th' abandon'd Crew! old Age laments
His Vigour spent: The tall, plump, brawny Youth
Curses his cumb'rous Bulk; and envies now
The short Pygmean Race, he whilom kenn'd
With proud insulting Leer. A chosen few 140
Alone the Sport enjoy, nor droop beneath
Their pleasing Toils. Here, Huntsman, from this Height
Observe yon Birds of Prey; if I can judge,
'Tis there the Villain lurks; they hover round
And claim him as their own. Was I not right? 145
See! there he creeps along; his Brush he drags,
And sweeps the Mire impure; from his wide Jaws
His Tongue unmoisten'd hangs; Symptoms too sure
Of sudden Death. Hah! yet he flies, nor yields
To black Despair. But one Loose more, and all
His Wiles are vain. Hark! thro' yon Village now
The rattling Clamour rings. The Barns, the Cots
And leafless Elms return the joyous Sounds.
Thro' ev'ry Homestall, and thro' ev'ry Yard,
His midnight Walks, panting, forlorn, he flies; 155
Thro' ev'ry Hole he sneaks, thro' ev'ry Jakes
Plunging he wades besmear'd, and fondly hopes
In a superior Stench to lose his own:
But faithful to the Track, th' unerring Hounds
With Peals of echoing Vengeance close pursue. 160
And now distress'd, no shelt'ring Covert near
Into the Hen-roost creeps, whose Walls with Gore
Distain'd attest his Guilt. There, Villain, there
Expect thy Fate deserv'd. And soon from thence
The Pack inquisitive, with Clamour loud, 165
Drag out their trembling Prize; and on his Blood
With greedy Transport feast. In bolder Notes
Each sounding Horn proclaims the Felon dead:
And all th' assembled Village shouts for Joy.
The Farmer who beholds his mortal Foe 170
Stretch'd at his Feet, applauds the glorious Deed,
And grateful calls us to a short Repast:
In the full Glass the liquid Amber smiles,
Our native Product. And his good old Mate
With choicest Viands heaps the lib'ral Board,
To crown our Triumphs, and reward our Toils.
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 many a faint Effort: He snorts, he foams,
The big round Drops run trickling down his Sides,
With Sweat and Blood distain'd. Look back and view 115
The strange Confusion of the Vale below,
Where sow'r Vexation reigns; see yon poor Jade,
In vain th' impatient Rider frets and swears,
With galling Spurs harrows his mangled Sides;
He can no more: His stiff unpliant Limbs 120
Rooted in Earth, unmov'd, and fix'd he stands,
For ev'ry cruel Curse returns a Groan,
And sobs, and faints, and dies. Who without Grief
Can view that pamper'd Steed, his Master's Joy,
His Minion, and his daily Care, well cloath'd, 125
Well-fed with ev'ry nicer Cate; no Cost,
No Labour spar'd; who, when the flying Chace
Broke from the Copse, without a Rival led
The num'rous Train: Now a sad Spectacle
Of Pride brought low, and humbled Insolence, 130
Drove like a pannier'd Ass, and scourg'd along.
While these with loosen'd Reins, and dangling Heels,
Hang on their reeling Palfreys, that scarce bear
Their Weights; another in the treach'rous Bog
Lies flound'ring half ingulph'd. What biteing Thoughts 135
Torment th' abandon'd Crew! old Age laments
His Vigour spent: The tall, plump, brawny Youth
Curses his cumb'rous Bulk; and envies now
The short Pygmean Race, he whilom kenn'd
With proud insulting Leer. A chosen few 140
Alone the Sport enjoy, nor droop beneath
Their pleasing Toils. Here, Huntsman, from this Height
Observe yon Birds of Prey; if I can judge,
'Tis there the Villain lurks; they hover round
And claim him as their own. Was I not right? 145
See! there he creeps along; his Brush he drags,
And sweeps the Mire impure; from his wide Jaws
His Tongue unmoisten'd hangs; Symptoms too sure
Of sudden Death. Hah! yet he flies, nor yields
To black Despair. But one Loose more, and all
His Wiles are vain. Hark! thro' yon Village now
The rattling Clamour rings. The Barns, the Cots
And leafless Elms return the joyous Sounds.
Thro' ev'ry Homestall, and thro' ev'ry Yard,
His midnight Walks, panting, forlorn, he flies; 155
Thro' ev'ry Hole he sneaks, thro' ev'ry Jakes
Plunging he wades besmear'd, and fondly hopes
In a superior Stench to lose his own:
But faithful to the Track, th' unerring Hounds
With Peals of echoing Vengeance close pursue. 160
And now distress'd, no shelt'ring Covert near
Into the Hen-roost creeps, whose Walls with Gore
Distain'd attest his Guilt. There, Villain, there
Expect thy Fate deserv'd. And soon from thence
The Pack inquisitive, with Clamour loud, 165
Drag out their trembling Prize; and on his Blood
With greedy Transport feast. In bolder Notes
Each sounding Horn proclaims the Felon dead:
And all th' assembled Village shouts for Joy.
The Farmer who beholds his mortal Foe 170
Stretch'd at his Feet, applauds the glorious Deed,
And grateful calls us to a short Repast:
In the full Glass the liquid Amber smiles,
Our native Product. And his good old Mate
With choicest Viands heaps the lib'ral Board,
To crown our Triumphs, and reward our Toils.
Here must th' instructive Muse (but with Respect)
Censure that num'rous Pack, that Croud of State,
With which the vain Profusion of the Great
Covers the Lawn, and shakes the trembling Copse.
Pompous Incumbrance! A Magnificence
Useless, vexatious! For the wily Fox,
Safe in th' increasing Number of his Foes,
Kens well the great Advantage: Slinks behind
And slyly creeps thro' the same beaten Track, 185
And hunts them Step by Step; then views escap'd
With inward Extasy, the panting Throng
In their own Footsteps puzzled, soil'd, and lost.
So when proud Eastern Kings, summon to Arms
Their gaudy Legions, from far distant Climes 190
They flock in Crouds, unpeopling half a World:
But when the Day of Battle calls them forth
To charge the well-train'd Foe, a Band compact.
Of chosen Vet'ranes; they press blindly on,
In Heaps confus'd, by their own Weapons fall, 195
A smoking Carnage scatter'd o'er the Plain.
Censure that num'rous Pack, that Croud of State,
With which the vain Profusion of the Great
Covers the Lawn, and shakes the trembling Copse.
Pompous Incumbrance! A Magnificence
Useless, vexatious! For the wily Fox,
Safe in th' increasing Number of his Foes,
Kens well the great Advantage: Slinks behind
And slyly creeps thro' the same beaten Track, 185
And hunts them Step by Step; then views escap'd
With inward Extasy, the panting Throng
In their own Footsteps puzzled, soil'd, and lost.
So when proud Eastern Kings, summon to Arms
Their gaudy Legions, from far distant Climes 190
They flock in Crouds, unpeopling half a World:
But when the Day of Battle calls them forth
To charge the well-train'd Foe, a Band compact.
Of chosen Vet'ranes; they press blindly on,
In Heaps confus'd, by their own Weapons fall, 195
A smoking Carnage scatter'd o'er the Plain.
Nor Hounds alone this noxious Brood destroy:
The plunder'd Warrener full many a Wile
Devises to entrap his greedy Foe,
Fat with nocturnal Spoils. At Close of Day, 200
With Silence drags his Trail; then from the Ground
Pares thin the close-graz'd Turf, there with nice Hand
Covers the latent Death, with curious Springs
Prepar'd to fly at once, whene'er the Tread
Of Man or Beast, unwarily shall press 205
The yielding Surface. By th' indented Steel
With Gripe tenacious held, the Felon grins,
And struggles, but in vain: Yet oft tis known,
When ev'ry Art has fail'd, the captive Fox
Has shar'd the wounded Joint, and with a Limb 210
Compounded for his Life. But if perchance
In the deep Pitfall plung'd, there's no Escape;
But unrepriev'd he dies, and bleach'd in Air
The Jest of Clowns, his reeking Carcass hangs.
The plunder'd Warrener full many a Wile
Devises to entrap his greedy Foe,
Fat with nocturnal Spoils. At Close of Day, 200
With Silence drags his Trail; then from the Ground
Pares thin the close-graz'd Turf, there with nice Hand
Covers the latent Death, with curious Springs
Prepar'd to fly at once, whene'er the Tread
Of Man or Beast, unwarily shall press 205
The yielding Surface. By th' indented Steel
With Gripe tenacious held, the Felon grins,
And struggles, but in vain: Yet oft tis known,
When ev'ry Art has fail'd, the captive Fox
Has shar'd the wounded Joint, and with a Limb 210
Compounded for his Life. But if perchance
In the deep Pitfall plung'd, there's no Escape;
But unrepriev'd he dies, and bleach'd in Air
The Jest of Clowns, his reeking Carcass hangs.
Of these are various Kinds; not ev'n the King 215
Of Brutes evades this deep devouring Grave:
But by the wily African betray'd,
Heedless of Fate, within its gaping Jaws
Expires indignant. When the orient Beam
With Blushes paints the Dawn; and all the Race 220
Carnivorous, with Blood full-gorg'd, retire
Into their darksom Cells, there satiate snore
O'er dripping Offals, and the mangled Limbs
Of Men and Beasts; the painful Forrester
Climbs the high Hills, whose proud aspiring Tops,
With the tall Cedar crown'd, and taper Fir,
Assail the Clouds. There 'mong the craggy Rocks,
And Thickets intricate, trembling he views
His Footsteps in the Sand; the dismal Road
And Avenue to Death. Hither he calls 230
His watchful Bands; and low into the Ground
A Pit they sink, full many a Fathom deep.
Then in the midst a Column high is rear'd,
The Butt of some fair Tree; upon whose Top
A Lamb is plac'd, just ravish'd from his Dam. 235
And next a Wall they build, with Stones and Earth
Encircling round, and hiding from all View
The dreadful Precipice. Now when the Shades
Of Night hang low'ring o'er the Mountain's Brow;
And Hunger keen, and pungent Thirst of Blood, 240
Rouze up the slothful Beast, he shakes his Sides,
Slow-rising from his Lair, and stretches wide
His rav'nous Paws, with recent Gore distain'd.
The Forests tremble, as he roars aloud,
Impatient to destroy. O'erjoy'd he hears 245
The bleating Innocent, that claims in vain
The Shepherd's Care, and seeks with piteous Moan
The foodful Teat; himself, alas! design'd
Another's Meal. For now the greedy Brute
Winds him from far; and leaping o'er the Mound 250
To seize his trembling Prey, headlong is plung'd
Into the deep Abyss. Prostrate he lies
Astunn'd and impotent. Ah! what avail
Thine Eye-balls flashing Fire, thy Length of Tail,
That lashes thy broad Sides, thy Jaws besmear'd 255
With Blood and Offals crude, thy shaggy Main
The Terror of the Woods, thy stately Port,
And Bulk enormous, since by Stratagem
Thy Strength is foil'd? Unequal is the Strife,
When sov'reign Reason combats brutal Rage. 260
Of Brutes evades this deep devouring Grave:
But by the wily African betray'd,
Heedless of Fate, within its gaping Jaws
Expires indignant. When the orient Beam
With Blushes paints the Dawn; and all the Race 220
Carnivorous, with Blood full-gorg'd, retire
Into their darksom Cells, there satiate snore
O'er dripping Offals, and the mangled Limbs
Of Men and Beasts; the painful Forrester
Climbs the high Hills, whose proud aspiring Tops,
With the tall Cedar crown'd, and taper Fir,
Assail the Clouds. There 'mong the craggy Rocks,
And Thickets intricate, trembling he views
His Footsteps in the Sand; the dismal Road
And Avenue to Death. Hither he calls 230
His watchful Bands; and low into the Ground
A Pit they sink, full many a Fathom deep.
Then in the midst a Column high is rear'd,
The Butt of some fair Tree; upon whose Top
A Lamb is plac'd, just ravish'd from his Dam. 235
And next a Wall they build, with Stones and Earth
Encircling round, and hiding from all View
The dreadful Precipice. Now when the Shades
Of Night hang low'ring o'er the Mountain's Brow;
And Hunger keen, and pungent Thirst of Blood, 240
Rouze up the slothful Beast, he shakes his Sides,
Slow-rising from his Lair, and stretches wide
His rav'nous Paws, with recent Gore distain'd.
The Forests tremble, as he roars aloud,
Impatient to destroy. O'erjoy'd he hears 245
The bleating Innocent, that claims in vain
The Shepherd's Care, and seeks with piteous Moan
The foodful Teat; himself, alas! design'd
Another's Meal. For now the greedy Brute
Winds him from far; and leaping o'er the Mound 250
To seize his trembling Prey, headlong is plung'd
Into the deep Abyss. Prostrate he lies
Astunn'd and impotent. Ah! what avail
Thine Eye-balls flashing Fire, thy Length of Tail,
That lashes thy broad Sides, thy Jaws besmear'd 255
With Blood and Offals crude, thy shaggy Main
The Terror of the Woods, thy stately Port,
And Bulk enormous, since by Stratagem
Thy Strength is foil'd? Unequal is the Strife,
When sov'reign Reason combats brutal Rage. 260
On distant Ethiopia's Sun-burnt Coasts,
The black Inhabitants a Pitfall frame,
But of a diff'rent Kind, and diff'rent Use.
With slender Poles the wide capacious Mouth,
And Hurdles slight, they close; o'er these is spread
A Floor of verdant Turf, with all its Flow'rs
Smiling delusive, and from strictest Search
Concealing the deep Grave, that yawns below.
Then Boughs of Trees they cut, with tempting Fruit
Of various Kinds surcharg'd; the downy Peach, 270
The clust'ring Vine, and of bright golden Rind
The fragrant Orange. Soon as Ev'ning grey
Advances slow, besprinkling all around
With kind refreshing Dews the thirsty Glebe,
The stately Elephant from the close Shade 275
With Step majestick strides, eager to taste
The cooler Breeze, that from the Sea-beat Shore
Delightful breaths, or in the limpid Stream
To lave his panting Sides; joyous he scents
The rich Repast, unweeting of the Death 280
That lurks within. And soon he sporting breaks
The brittle Boughs, and greedily devours
The Fruit delicious. Ah! too dearly bought;
The Price is Life. For now the treach'rous Turf
Trembling gives way; and the unweildy Beast 285
Self-sinking, drops into the dark Profound.
So when dilated Vapours, struggling heave
Th' incumbent Earth; if Chance the cavern'd Ground,
Shrinking subside, and the thin Surface yield,
Down sinks at once the pond'rous Dome, ingulph'd
With all its Tow'rs. Subtle, delusive Man!
How various are thy Wiles! artful to kill
Thy savage Foes, a dull unthinking Race!
Fierce from his Lair, springs forth the speckled Pard,
Thirsting for Blood, and eager to destroy; 295
The Huntsman flies, but to his Flight alone
Confides not: At convenient Distance fix'd,
A polish'd Mirrour, stops in full Career
The furious Brute: He there his Image views;
Spots against Spots with Rage improving glow; 300
Another Pard his bristly Whiskers curls,
Grins as he grins, fierce-menacing, and wide
Distends his op'ning Paws; himself against
Himself opposed, and with dread Vengeance arm'd.
The Huntsman now secure, with fatal Aim 305
Directs the pointed Spear, by which transfix'd
He dies, and with him dies the rival Shade.
Thus Man innum'rous Engines forms, t'assail
The Savage kind: But most the docile Horse,
Swift and confederate with Man, annoys 310
His Brethren of the Plains; without whose Aid
The Hunters Arts were vain, unskill'd to wage
With the more active Brutes, an equal War.
But born by him, without the well-train'd Pack,
Man dares his Foe, on Wings of Winds secure. 315
The black Inhabitants a Pitfall frame,
But of a diff'rent Kind, and diff'rent Use.
With slender Poles the wide capacious Mouth,
And Hurdles slight, they close; o'er these is spread
A Floor of verdant Turf, with all its Flow'rs
Smiling delusive, and from strictest Search
Concealing the deep Grave, that yawns below.
Then Boughs of Trees they cut, with tempting Fruit
Of various Kinds surcharg'd; the downy Peach, 270
The clust'ring Vine, and of bright golden Rind
The fragrant Orange. Soon as Ev'ning grey
Advances slow, besprinkling all around
With kind refreshing Dews the thirsty Glebe,
The stately Elephant from the close Shade 275
With Step majestick strides, eager to taste
The cooler Breeze, that from the Sea-beat Shore
Delightful breaths, or in the limpid Stream
To lave his panting Sides; joyous he scents
The rich Repast, unweeting of the Death 280
That lurks within. And soon he sporting breaks
The brittle Boughs, and greedily devours
The Fruit delicious. Ah! too dearly bought;
The Price is Life. For now the treach'rous Turf
Trembling gives way; and the unweildy Beast 285
Self-sinking, drops into the dark Profound.
So when dilated Vapours, struggling heave
Th' incumbent Earth; if Chance the cavern'd Ground,
Shrinking subside, and the thin Surface yield,
Down sinks at once the pond'rous Dome, ingulph'd
With all its Tow'rs. Subtle, delusive Man!
How various are thy Wiles! artful to kill
Thy savage Foes, a dull unthinking Race!
Fierce from his Lair, springs forth the speckled Pard,
Thirsting for Blood, and eager to destroy; 295
The Huntsman flies, but to his Flight alone
Confides not: At convenient Distance fix'd,
A polish'd Mirrour, stops in full Career
The furious Brute: He there his Image views;
Spots against Spots with Rage improving glow; 300
Another Pard his bristly Whiskers curls,
Grins as he grins, fierce-menacing, and wide
Distends his op'ning Paws; himself against
Himself opposed, and with dread Vengeance arm'd.
The Huntsman now secure, with fatal Aim 305
Directs the pointed Spear, by which transfix'd
He dies, and with him dies the rival Shade.
Thus Man innum'rous Engines forms, t'assail
The Savage kind: But most the docile Horse,
Swift and confederate with Man, annoys 310
His Brethren of the Plains; without whose Aid
The Hunters Arts were vain, unskill'd to wage
With the more active Brutes, an equal War.
But born by him, without the well-train'd Pack,
Man dares his Foe, on Wings of Winds secure. 315
Him the fierce Arab mounts, and with his Troop
Of bold Compeers, ranges the Deserts wild.
Where by the Magnet's Aid, the Traveller
Steers his untrodden Course; yet oft on Land
Is wreck'd, in the high-rolling Waves of Sand 320
Immerst and lost. While these intrepid Bands,
Safe in their Horse's Speed, out-fly the Storm,
And scouring round, make Men and Beasts their Prey.
The grisly Boar is singled from his Herd,
As large as that in Erimanthian Woods, 325
A Match for Hercules. Round him they fly
In Circles wide; and each in passing sends
His feather'd Death into his brawny Sides.
But perillous th' Attempt. For if the Steed
Haply too near Approach; or the loose Earth 330
His Footing fail; the watchful angry Beast
Th' Advantage spies; and at one sidelong Glance
Rips up his Groin. Wounded, he rears aloft,
And plunging, from his Back the Rider hurls
Precipitant; then bleeding spurns the Ground,
And drags his reeking Entrails o'er the Plain.
Mean while the surly Monster trots along,
But with unequal Speed; for still they wound,
Swift-wheeling in the spacious Ring. A Wood
Of Darts upon his Back he bears; adown 340
His tortur'd Sides, the crimson Torrents roll
From many a gaping Font. And now at last
Stagg'ring he falls, in Blood and Foam expires.
Of bold Compeers, ranges the Deserts wild.
Where by the Magnet's Aid, the Traveller
Steers his untrodden Course; yet oft on Land
Is wreck'd, in the high-rolling Waves of Sand 320
Immerst and lost. While these intrepid Bands,
Safe in their Horse's Speed, out-fly the Storm,
And scouring round, make Men and Beasts their Prey.
The grisly Boar is singled from his Herd,
As large as that in Erimanthian Woods, 325
A Match for Hercules. Round him they fly
In Circles wide; and each in passing sends
His feather'd Death into his brawny Sides.
But perillous th' Attempt. For if the Steed
Haply too near Approach; or the loose Earth 330
His Footing fail; the watchful angry Beast
Th' Advantage spies; and at one sidelong Glance
Rips up his Groin. Wounded, he rears aloft,
And plunging, from his Back the Rider hurls
Precipitant; then bleeding spurns the Ground,
And drags his reeking Entrails o'er the Plain.
Mean while the surly Monster trots along,
But with unequal Speed; for still they wound,
Swift-wheeling in the spacious Ring. A Wood
Of Darts upon his Back he bears; adown 340
His tortur'd Sides, the crimson Torrents roll
From many a gaping Font. And now at last
Stagg'ring he falls, in Blood and Foam expires.
But whither roves my devious Muse, intent
On antique Tales? While yet the royal Stag 345
Unsung remains. Tread with respectful Awe
Windsor's green Glades; where Denham, tuneful Bard,
Charm'd once the list'ning Dryads, with his Song
Sublimely sweet. O! grant me, sacred Shade,
To glean submiss what thy full Sickle leaves. 350
On antique Tales? While yet the royal Stag 345
Unsung remains. Tread with respectful Awe
Windsor's green Glades; where Denham, tuneful Bard,
Charm'd once the list'ning Dryads, with his Song
Sublimely sweet. O! grant me, sacred Shade,
To glean submiss what thy full Sickle leaves. 350
The Morning Sun that gilds with trembling Rays
Windsor's high Tow'rs, beholds the courtly Train
Mount for the Chace, nor views in all his Course
A Scene so gay: heroick, noble Youths,
In Arts, and Arms renown'd, and lovely Nymphs
The fairest of this Isle, where Beauty dwells
Delighted, and deserts her Paphian Grove
For our more favour'd Shades: In proud Parade
These shine magnificent, and press around
The Royal happy Pair. Great in themselves, 360
They simile superior; of external Show
Regardless, while their inbred Virtues give
A Lustre to their Pow'r, and grace their Court
With real Splendors, far above the Pomp
Of eastern Kings, in all their tinsel Pride. 365
Like Troops of Amazons, the female Band
Prance round their Cars, not in refulgent Arms
As those of old; unskill'd to weild the Sword,
Or bend the Bow, these kill with surer Aim.
The royal Offspring, fairest of the Fair, 370
Lead on the splendid Train. Anna more bright
Than Summer Suns, or as the Lightning keen,
With irresistible Effulgence arm'd,
Fires ev'ry Heart. He must be more than Man,
Who unconcern'd can bear the piercing Ray. 375
Amelia, milder than the blushing Dawn,
With sweet engaging Air, but equal Pow'r
Insensibly subdues, and in soft Chains
Her willing Captives leads. Illustrious Maids
Ever triumphant! whose victorious Charms, 380
Without the needless Aid of high Descent
Had aw'd Mankind, and taught the World's great Lords
To bow and sue for Grace. But who is he
Fresh as a Rose-bud newly blown, and fair
As op'ning Lillies; on whom ev'ry Eye 385
With Joy, and Admiration dwells? See, see,
He reins his docile Barb with manly Grace.
Is it Adonis for the Chace array'd?
Or Britain's second Hope? Hail, blooming Youth!
May all your Virtues with your Years improve, 390
'Till in consummate Worth, you shine the Pride
Of these our Days, and to succeeding Times
A bright Example. As his Guard of Mutes
On the great Sultan wait, with Eyes deject
And fix'd on Earth, no Voice, no Sound is heard 395
Within the wide Serail, but all is hush'd,
And awful Silence reigns; thus stand the Pack
Mute and unmov'd, and cow'ring low to Earth,
While pass the glitt'ring Court, and royal Pair:
So disciplin'd those Hounds, and so reserv'd, 400
Whose Honour 'tis to glad the Hearts of Kings.
But soon the winding Horn, and Huntsman's Voice,
Let loose the gen'ral Chorus; far around
Joy spreads its Wings, and the gay Morning smiles.
Windsor's high Tow'rs, beholds the courtly Train
Mount for the Chace, nor views in all his Course
A Scene so gay: heroick, noble Youths,
In Arts, and Arms renown'd, and lovely Nymphs
The fairest of this Isle, where Beauty dwells
Delighted, and deserts her Paphian Grove
For our more favour'd Shades: In proud Parade
These shine magnificent, and press around
The Royal happy Pair. Great in themselves, 360
They simile superior; of external Show
Regardless, while their inbred Virtues give
A Lustre to their Pow'r, and grace their Court
With real Splendors, far above the Pomp
Of eastern Kings, in all their tinsel Pride. 365
Like Troops of Amazons, the female Band
Prance round their Cars, not in refulgent Arms
As those of old; unskill'd to weild the Sword,
Or bend the Bow, these kill with surer Aim.
The royal Offspring, fairest of the Fair, 370
Lead on the splendid Train. Anna more bright
Than Summer Suns, or as the Lightning keen,
With irresistible Effulgence arm'd,
Fires ev'ry Heart. He must be more than Man,
Who unconcern'd can bear the piercing Ray. 375
Amelia, milder than the blushing Dawn,
With sweet engaging Air, but equal Pow'r
Insensibly subdues, and in soft Chains
Her willing Captives leads. Illustrious Maids
Ever triumphant! whose victorious Charms, 380
Without the needless Aid of high Descent
Had aw'd Mankind, and taught the World's great Lords
To bow and sue for Grace. But who is he
Fresh as a Rose-bud newly blown, and fair
As op'ning Lillies; on whom ev'ry Eye 385
With Joy, and Admiration dwells? See, see,
He reins his docile Barb with manly Grace.
Is it Adonis for the Chace array'd?
Or Britain's second Hope? Hail, blooming Youth!
May all your Virtues with your Years improve, 390
'Till in consummate Worth, you shine the Pride
Of these our Days, and to succeeding Times
A bright Example. As his Guard of Mutes
On the great Sultan wait, with Eyes deject
And fix'd on Earth, no Voice, no Sound is heard 395
Within the wide Serail, but all is hush'd,
And awful Silence reigns; thus stand the Pack
Mute and unmov'd, and cow'ring low to Earth,
While pass the glitt'ring Court, and royal Pair:
So disciplin'd those Hounds, and so reserv'd, 400
Whose Honour 'tis to glad the Hearts of Kings.
But soon the winding Horn, and Huntsman's Voice,
Let loose the gen'ral Chorus; far around
Joy spreads its Wings, and the gay Morning smiles.
Unharbour'd now the royal Stag forsakes 405
His wonted Lair; he shakes his dappled Sides,
And tosses high his beamy Head, the Copse
Beneath his Antlers bends. What doubling Shifts
He tries! not more the wily Hare; in these
Wou'd still persist, did not the full-mouth'd Pack
With dreadful Consort thunder in his Rear.
The Woods reply, the Hunter's chearing Shouts
Float thro' the Glades, and the wide Forest rings.
How merrily they chant! their Nostrils deep
Inhale the grateful Steam. Such is the Cry, 415
And such th' harmonious Din, the Soldier deems
The Battle kindling, and the Statesman grave
Forgets his weighty Cares; each Age, each Sex
In the wild Transport joins; luxuriant Joy,
And Pleasure in Excess, sparkling exult 420
On ev'ry Brow, and revel unrestrain'd.
How happy art thou Man, when thou'rt no more
Thy self! when all the Pangs that grind thy Soul,
In Rapture and in sweet Oblivion lost,
Yield a short Interval, and Ease from Pain! 425
His wonted Lair; he shakes his dappled Sides,
And tosses high his beamy Head, the Copse
Beneath his Antlers bends. What doubling Shifts
He tries! not more the wily Hare; in these
Wou'd still persist, did not the full-mouth'd Pack
With dreadful Consort thunder in his Rear.
The Woods reply, the Hunter's chearing Shouts
Float thro' the Glades, and the wide Forest rings.
How merrily they chant! their Nostrils deep
Inhale the grateful Steam. Such is the Cry, 415
And such th' harmonious Din, the Soldier deems
The Battle kindling, and the Statesman grave
Forgets his weighty Cares; each Age, each Sex
In the wild Transport joins; luxuriant Joy,
And Pleasure in Excess, sparkling exult 420
On ev'ry Brow, and revel unrestrain'd.
How happy art thou Man, when thou'rt no more
Thy self! when all the Pangs that grind thy Soul,
In Rapture and in sweet Oblivion lost,
Yield a short Interval, and Ease from Pain! 425
See the swift Courser strains, his shining Hoofs
Securely beat the solid Ground. Who now
The dang'rous Pitfall fears, with tangling Heath
High-overgrown? Or who the quiv'ring Bog
Soft-yielding to the Step? All now is plain, 430
Plain as the Strand Sea-lav'd, that stretches far
Beneath the rocky Shore. Glades crossing Glades
The Forest opens to our wond'ring View:
Such was the King's Command. Let Tyrants fierce
Lay waste the World; his the more glorious Part 435
To check their Pride; and when the brazen Voice
Of War is hush'd, (as erst victorious Rome)
T'employ his station'd Legions in the Works
Of Peace; to smooth the rugged Wilderness.
To drain the stagnate Fen, to raise the Slope 440
Depending Road, and to make gay the Face
Of Nature, with th' Embellishments of Art.
Securely beat the solid Ground. Who now
The dang'rous Pitfall fears, with tangling Heath
High-overgrown? Or who the quiv'ring Bog
Soft-yielding to the Step? All now is plain, 430
Plain as the Strand Sea-lav'd, that stretches far
Beneath the rocky Shore. Glades crossing Glades
The Forest opens to our wond'ring View:
Such was the King's Command. Let Tyrants fierce
Lay waste the World; his the more glorious Part 435
To check their Pride; and when the brazen Voice
Of War is hush'd, (as erst victorious Rome)
T'employ his station'd Legions in the Works
Of Peace; to smooth the rugged Wilderness.
To drain the stagnate Fen, to raise the Slope 440
Depending Road, and to make gay the Face
Of Nature, with th' Embellishments of Art.
How melts my beating Heart! as I behold
Each lovely Nymph our Island's Boast and Pride,
Push on the gen'rous Steed, that strokes along 445
O'er rough, o'er smooth, nor heeds the steepy Hill,
Nor faulters in th' extended Vale below;
Their Garments loosely waving in the Wind,
And all the Flush of Beauty in their Cheeks!
While at their Sides their pensive Lovers wait, 450
Direct their dubious Course; now chill'd with Fear
Solicitous, and now with Love inflam'd.
O! grant, indulgent Heav'n, no rising Storm
May darken with black Wings, this glorious Scene!
Shou'd some malignant Pow'r thus damp our Joys,
Vain were the gloomy Cave, such as of old
Betray'd to lawless Love the Tyrian Queen.
For Britain's virtuous Nymphs are chaste as fair,
Spotless, unblam'd, with equal Triumph reign
In the Dun Gloom, as in the Blaze of Day. 460
Each lovely Nymph our Island's Boast and Pride,
Push on the gen'rous Steed, that strokes along 445
O'er rough, o'er smooth, nor heeds the steepy Hill,
Nor faulters in th' extended Vale below;
Their Garments loosely waving in the Wind,
And all the Flush of Beauty in their Cheeks!
While at their Sides their pensive Lovers wait, 450
Direct their dubious Course; now chill'd with Fear
Solicitous, and now with Love inflam'd.
O! grant, indulgent Heav'n, no rising Storm
May darken with black Wings, this glorious Scene!
Shou'd some malignant Pow'r thus damp our Joys,
Vain were the gloomy Cave, such as of old
Betray'd to lawless Love the Tyrian Queen.
For Britain's virtuous Nymphs are chaste as fair,
Spotless, unblam'd, with equal Triumph reign
In the Dun Gloom, as in the Blaze of Day. 460
Now the blown Stag, thro' Woods, Bogs, Roads, and Streams
Has measur'd half the Forest; but alass!
He flies in vain, he flies not from his Fears.
Tho' far he cast the ling'ring Pack behind,
His haggard Fancy still with Horror views 465
The fell Destroyer; still the fatal Cry
Insults his Ears, and wounds his trembling Heart.
So the poor Fury-haunted Wretch (his Hands
In guiltless Blood distain'd) still seems to hear
The dying Shrieks; and the pale threat'ning Ghost
Moves as he moves, and as he flies, pursues.
See here his Slot; up yon green Hill he climbs,
Pants on its Brow awhile, sadly looks back
On his Pursuers, cov'ring all the Plain;
But wrung with Anguish, bears not long the Sight
Shoots down the Steep, and sweats along the Vale:
There mingles with the Herd, where once he reign'd
Proud Monarch of the Groves, whose clashing Beam
His Rivals aw'd, and whose exalted Pow'r
Was still rewarded with successful Love. 480
But the base Herd, have learn'd the Ways of Men,
Averse they fly, or with rebellious Aim
Chace him from thence: needless their impious Deed,
The Huntsman knows him by a thousand Marks,
Black, and Imbost; nor are his Hounds deceiv'd;
Too well distinguish these, and never leave
Their once devoted Foe; familiar grows
His Scent, and strong their Appetite to kill.
Again he flies, and with redoubled Speed
Skims o'er the Lawn; still the tenacious Crew 490
Hang on the Track, aloud demand their Prey
And push him many a League. If haply then
Too far escap'd, and the gay courtly Train
Behind are cast, the Huntsman's clanging Whip
Stops full their bold Career; passive they stand, 495
Unmov'd, an humble, an obsequious Crowd,
As if by stern Medusa gaz'd to Stones.
So at their Gen'ral's Voice whole Armies halt
In full Pursuit, and check their Thirst of Blood.
Soon at the King's Command, like hasty Streams 500
Damm'd up a while, they foam, and pour along
With fresh recruited Might. The Stag, who hop'd
His Foes were lost, now once more hears astunn'd
The dreadful Din; he shivers ev'ry Limb,
He starts, he bounds; each Bush presents a Foe. 505
Press'd by the fresh Relay, no Pause allow'd,
Breathless, and faint, he faulters in his Pace,
And lifts his weary Limbs with Pain, that scarce
Sustain their Load; he pants, he sobs appall'd;
Drops down his heavy Head to Earth, beneath 510
His cumb'rous Beams oppress'd. But if perchance
Some prying Eye surprize him; soon he rears
Erect his tow'ring Front, bounds o'er the Lawn
With ill-dissembled Vigour, to amuse
The knowing Forester; who inly smiles 515
At his weak Shifts, and unavailing Frauds.
So midnight Tapers waste their last Remains,
Shine forth a while, and as they blaze expire.
From Wood to Wood redoubling Thunders roll,
And bellow thro' the Vales; the moving Storm 520
Thickens amain, and loud triumphant Shouts,
And Horns shrill-warbling in each Glade, prelude
To his approaching Fate. And now in view
With hobbling Gate, and high, exerts amaz'd
What Strength is left: To the last Dregs of Life
Reduc'd, his Spirits fail, on ev'ry Side
Hemm'd in, besieg'd; not the least Op'ning left
To gleaming Hope, th' Unhappy's last Reserve.
Where shall he turn? Or whither fly? Despair
Gives Courage to the Weak. Resolv'd to dye, 530
He fears no more, but rushes on his Foes,
And deals his Deaths around; beneath his Feet
These grovelling lye, those by his Antlers gor'd
Defile th' ensanguin'd Plain. Ah! see distress'd
He stands at Bay against yon knotty Trunk, 535
That covers well his Rear, his Front presents
An Host of Foes. O! shun, ye noble Train,
The rude Encounter, and believe your Lives
Your Country's Due alone. As now aloof
They wing around, he finds his Soul uprais'd, 540
To dare some great Exploit; he charges home
Upon the broken Pack, that on each Side
Fly diverse; then as o'er the Turf he strains,
He vents the cooling Stream, and up the Breeze
Urges his Course with eager Violence: 544
Then takes the Soil, and plunges in the Flood
Precipitant; down the Mid-Stream he wafts
Along, 'till (like a Ship distress'd, that runs
Into some winding Creek) close to the Verge
Of a small Island, for his weary Feet 550
Sure Anchorage he finds, there skulks immers'd.
His Nose alone above the Wave, draws in
The vital Air; all else beneath the Flood
Conceal'd, and lost, deceives each prying Eye
Of Man or Brute. In vain the crowding Pack 555
Draw on the Margin of the Stream, or cut
The liquid Wave with oary Feet, that move
In equal Time. The gliding Waters leave
No Trace behind, and his contracted Pores
But sparingly perspire: The Huntsman strains 560
His lab'ring Lungs, and puffs his Cheeks in vain :
At length a Blood-hound bold, studious to kill,
And exquisite of Sense, winds him from far;
Headlong he leaps into the Flood, his Mouth
Loud-op'ning spends amain, and his wide Throat
Swells ev'ry Note with Joy; then fearless dives
Beneath the Wave, hangs on his Hanch, and wounds
Th' unhappy Brute, that flounders in the Stream,
Sorely distress'd, and struggling strives to mount
The steepy Shore. Haply once more escap'd; 570
Again he stands at Bay, amid the Groves
Of Willows, bending low their downy Heads.
Outrageous Transport fires the greedy Pack;
These swim the Deep, and those crawl up with Pain
The slipp'ry Bank, while others on firm Land 575
Engage; the Stag repells each bold Assault,
Maintains his Post, and Wounds for Wounds returns.
As when some wily Corsair boards a Ship
Full-freighted, or from Africk's golden Coasts,
Or India's wealthy Strand, his bloody Crew 580
Upon her Deck he flings; these in the Deep
Drop short, and swim to reach her steepy Sides,
And clinging climb aloft; while those on Board
Urge on the Work of Fate; the Master bold,
Press'd to his last Retreat, bravely resolves 585
To sink his Wealth beneath the whelming Wave,
His Wealth, his Foes, nor unreveng'd to dye.
So fares it with the Stag: So he resolves
To plunge at once into the Flood below,
Himself, his Foes in one deep Gulph immers'd. 590
E'er yet he executes this dire Intent,
In wild Disorder once more views the Light;
Beneath a Weight of Woe, he groans distress'd:
The Tears run trickling down his hairy Cheeks;
He weeps, nor weeps in vain. The King beholds
His wretched Plight, and Tenderness innate
Moves his great Soul. Soon at his high Command
Rebuk'd, the disappointed, hungry Pack
Retire submiss, and grumbling quit their Prey.
Has measur'd half the Forest; but alass!
He flies in vain, he flies not from his Fears.
Tho' far he cast the ling'ring Pack behind,
His haggard Fancy still with Horror views 465
The fell Destroyer; still the fatal Cry
Insults his Ears, and wounds his trembling Heart.
So the poor Fury-haunted Wretch (his Hands
In guiltless Blood distain'd) still seems to hear
The dying Shrieks; and the pale threat'ning Ghost
Moves as he moves, and as he flies, pursues.
See here his Slot; up yon green Hill he climbs,
Pants on its Brow awhile, sadly looks back
On his Pursuers, cov'ring all the Plain;
But wrung with Anguish, bears not long the Sight
Shoots down the Steep, and sweats along the Vale:
There mingles with the Herd, where once he reign'd
Proud Monarch of the Groves, whose clashing Beam
His Rivals aw'd, and whose exalted Pow'r
Was still rewarded with successful Love. 480
But the base Herd, have learn'd the Ways of Men,
Averse they fly, or with rebellious Aim
Chace him from thence: needless their impious Deed,
The Huntsman knows him by a thousand Marks,
Black, and Imbost; nor are his Hounds deceiv'd;
Too well distinguish these, and never leave
Their once devoted Foe; familiar grows
His Scent, and strong their Appetite to kill.
Again he flies, and with redoubled Speed
Skims o'er the Lawn; still the tenacious Crew 490
Hang on the Track, aloud demand their Prey
And push him many a League. If haply then
Too far escap'd, and the gay courtly Train
Behind are cast, the Huntsman's clanging Whip
Stops full their bold Career; passive they stand, 495
Unmov'd, an humble, an obsequious Crowd,
As if by stern Medusa gaz'd to Stones.
So at their Gen'ral's Voice whole Armies halt
In full Pursuit, and check their Thirst of Blood.
Soon at the King's Command, like hasty Streams 500
Damm'd up a while, they foam, and pour along
With fresh recruited Might. The Stag, who hop'd
His Foes were lost, now once more hears astunn'd
The dreadful Din; he shivers ev'ry Limb,
He starts, he bounds; each Bush presents a Foe. 505
Press'd by the fresh Relay, no Pause allow'd,
Breathless, and faint, he faulters in his Pace,
And lifts his weary Limbs with Pain, that scarce
Sustain their Load; he pants, he sobs appall'd;
Drops down his heavy Head to Earth, beneath 510
His cumb'rous Beams oppress'd. But if perchance
Some prying Eye surprize him; soon he rears
Erect his tow'ring Front, bounds o'er the Lawn
With ill-dissembled Vigour, to amuse
The knowing Forester; who inly smiles 515
At his weak Shifts, and unavailing Frauds.
So midnight Tapers waste their last Remains,
Shine forth a while, and as they blaze expire.
From Wood to Wood redoubling Thunders roll,
And bellow thro' the Vales; the moving Storm 520
Thickens amain, and loud triumphant Shouts,
And Horns shrill-warbling in each Glade, prelude
To his approaching Fate. And now in view
With hobbling Gate, and high, exerts amaz'd
What Strength is left: To the last Dregs of Life
Reduc'd, his Spirits fail, on ev'ry Side
Hemm'd in, besieg'd; not the least Op'ning left
To gleaming Hope, th' Unhappy's last Reserve.
Where shall he turn? Or whither fly? Despair
Gives Courage to the Weak. Resolv'd to dye, 530
He fears no more, but rushes on his Foes,
And deals his Deaths around; beneath his Feet
These grovelling lye, those by his Antlers gor'd
Defile th' ensanguin'd Plain. Ah! see distress'd
He stands at Bay against yon knotty Trunk, 535
That covers well his Rear, his Front presents
An Host of Foes. O! shun, ye noble Train,
The rude Encounter, and believe your Lives
Your Country's Due alone. As now aloof
They wing around, he finds his Soul uprais'd, 540
To dare some great Exploit; he charges home
Upon the broken Pack, that on each Side
Fly diverse; then as o'er the Turf he strains,
He vents the cooling Stream, and up the Breeze
Urges his Course with eager Violence: 544
Then takes the Soil, and plunges in the Flood
Precipitant; down the Mid-Stream he wafts
Along, 'till (like a Ship distress'd, that runs
Into some winding Creek) close to the Verge
Of a small Island, for his weary Feet 550
Sure Anchorage he finds, there skulks immers'd.
His Nose alone above the Wave, draws in
The vital Air; all else beneath the Flood
Conceal'd, and lost, deceives each prying Eye
Of Man or Brute. In vain the crowding Pack 555
Draw on the Margin of the Stream, or cut
The liquid Wave with oary Feet, that move
In equal Time. The gliding Waters leave
No Trace behind, and his contracted Pores
But sparingly perspire: The Huntsman strains 560
His lab'ring Lungs, and puffs his Cheeks in vain :
At length a Blood-hound bold, studious to kill,
And exquisite of Sense, winds him from far;
Headlong he leaps into the Flood, his Mouth
Loud-op'ning spends amain, and his wide Throat
Swells ev'ry Note with Joy; then fearless dives
Beneath the Wave, hangs on his Hanch, and wounds
Th' unhappy Brute, that flounders in the Stream,
Sorely distress'd, and struggling strives to mount
The steepy Shore. Haply once more escap'd; 570
Again he stands at Bay, amid the Groves
Of Willows, bending low their downy Heads.
Outrageous Transport fires the greedy Pack;
These swim the Deep, and those crawl up with Pain
The slipp'ry Bank, while others on firm Land 575
Engage; the Stag repells each bold Assault,
Maintains his Post, and Wounds for Wounds returns.
As when some wily Corsair boards a Ship
Full-freighted, or from Africk's golden Coasts,
Or India's wealthy Strand, his bloody Crew 580
Upon her Deck he flings; these in the Deep
Drop short, and swim to reach her steepy Sides,
And clinging climb aloft; while those on Board
Urge on the Work of Fate; the Master bold,
Press'd to his last Retreat, bravely resolves 585
To sink his Wealth beneath the whelming Wave,
His Wealth, his Foes, nor unreveng'd to dye.
So fares it with the Stag: So he resolves
To plunge at once into the Flood below,
Himself, his Foes in one deep Gulph immers'd. 590
E'er yet he executes this dire Intent,
In wild Disorder once more views the Light;
Beneath a Weight of Woe, he groans distress'd:
The Tears run trickling down his hairy Cheeks;
He weeps, nor weeps in vain. The King beholds
His wretched Plight, and Tenderness innate
Moves his great Soul. Soon at his high Command
Rebuk'd, the disappointed, hungry Pack
Retire submiss, and grumbling quit their Prey.
Great Prince! from thee, what may thy Subjects hope; 600
So kind, and so beneficent to Brutes?
O Mercy, heav'nly born! Sweet Attribute!
Thou great, thou best Prerogative of Pow'r!
Justice may guard the Throne, but join'd with thee,
On Rocks of Adamant it stands secure, 605
And braves the Storm beneath; soon as thy Smiles
Gild the rough Deep, the foaming Waves subside,
And all the noisy Tumult sinks in Peace.
So kind, and so beneficent to Brutes?
O Mercy, heav'nly born! Sweet Attribute!
Thou great, thou best Prerogative of Pow'r!
Justice may guard the Throne, but join'd with thee,
On Rocks of Adamant it stands secure, 605
And braves the Storm beneath; soon as thy Smiles
Gild the rough Deep, the foaming Waves subside,
And all the noisy Tumult sinks in Peace.