Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/24

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
4
THE CHACE.
Book I.
No stated Rule, his wanton Will his Guide. 40
With Clubs and Stones, rude Implements of War,
He arm'd his savage Bands, a Multitude
Untrain'd; Of twining Osiers form'd, they pitch
Their artless Toiles, then range the desert Hills,
And scow'r the Plains below; the trembling Herd 45
Start at th' unusual Sound, and clam'rous Shout
Unheard before; surpriz'd alass! to find
Man now their Foe, whom erst they deem'd their Lord,
But mild, and gentle, and by whom as yet
Secure they graz'd. Death stretches o'er the Plain 50
Wide-wasting, and grim Slaughter red with Blood:
Urg'd on by Hunger keen, they wound, they kill,
Their Rage licentious knows no bound; at last
Incumber'd with their Spoils, joyful they bear
Upon their Shoulders broad, the bleeding Prey. 55
Part on their Altars smokes a Sacrifice

To