Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/130

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110
THE CHACE.
Book IV.
The Huntsman's Hopes, and Desolation spreads
Thro' all th' unpeopled Kennel unrestrain'd.
More fatal than th' envenom'd Viper's Bite;
Or that Apulian Spider's pois'nous Sting,
Heal'd by the pleasing Antidote of Sounds. 195

When Sirius reigns, and the Sun's parching Beams
Bake the dry gaping Surface, visit thou
Each Ev'n and Morn, with quick observant Eye,
Thy panting Pack. If in dark sullen Mood,
The glouting Hound refuse his wonted Meal, 200
Retiring to some close, obscure Retreat,
Gloomy, disconsolate: With Speed remove
The poor infectious Wretch, and in strong Chains
Bind him suspected. Thus that dire Disease
Which Art can't cure, wise Caution may prevent.

But