754

My Life had stood-a Loaded Gun-
In Corners-till a Day
The Owner passed-identified-
And carried Me away-

And now We roam in Sovereign Woods-
And now We hunt the Doe-
And every time I speak for Him-
The Mountains straight reply-

And do I smile, such cordial light
Upon the Valley glow-
It is as a Vesuvian face
Had let its pleasure through-

And when at Night-Our good Day done-
I guard My Master's Head-
'Tis better than the Eider-Duck's
Deep Pillow-to have shared-

To foe of His-I'm deadly foe-
None stir the second time-
On whom I lay a Yellow Eye-
Or an emphatic Thumb-

Though I than He-may longer live
He longer must-than I-
For I have but the power to kill,
Without-the power to die-