Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/119

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Book IV.
THE CHACE.
99
As hurtful these he kills, as useful those
Preserves; their sole and arbitrary King.
Shou'd he not kill, as erst the Samian Sage
Taught unadvis'd, and Indian Brachmans now
As vainly preach; the teeming rav'nous Brutes 15
Might fill the scanty Space of this Terrene,
Incumb'ring all the Globe: Shou'd not his Care
Improve his growing Stock, their Kinds might fail,
Man might once more on Roots, and Acorns feed,
And thro' the Deserts range, shiv'ring, forlorn, 20
Quite destitute of ev'ry Solace dear,
And ev'ry smiling Gayety of Life.

The prudent Huntsman therefore will supply
With annual large Recruits, his broken Pack,
And propagate their Kind. As from the Root 25
Fresh Scions still spring forth, and daily yield
New blooming Honours to the Parent-Tree.

Far