24
THE CHACE.
Book I.
With tender Blossoms teeming, kindly spare
Thy sleeping Pack, in their warm Beds of Straw 370
Low-sinking at their Ease; listless they shrink
Into some dark Recess, nor hear thy Voice
Tho' oft invok'd; or haply if thy Call
Rouze up the slumb'ring Tribe, with heavy Eyes
Glaz'd, lifeless, dull, downward they drop their Tails 375
Inverted; high on their bent Backs erect
Their pointed Bristles stare, or 'mong the Tufts
Of ranker Weeds, each Stomach-healing Plant
Curious they crop, sick, spiritless, forlorn.
These inauspicious Days, on other Cares 380
Employ thy precious Hours; th'improving Friend
With open Arms embrace, and from his Lips
Glean Science, season'd with good-natur'd Wit.
But if th'inclement Skies, and angry Jove
Forbid the pleasing Intercourse, thy Books 385
Thy sleeping Pack, in their warm Beds of Straw 370
Low-sinking at their Ease; listless they shrink
Into some dark Recess, nor hear thy Voice
Tho' oft invok'd; or haply if thy Call
Rouze up the slumb'ring Tribe, with heavy Eyes
Glaz'd, lifeless, dull, downward they drop their Tails 375
Inverted; high on their bent Backs erect
Their pointed Bristles stare, or 'mong the Tufts
Of ranker Weeds, each Stomach-healing Plant
Curious they crop, sick, spiritless, forlorn.
These inauspicious Days, on other Cares 380
Employ thy precious Hours; th'improving Friend
With open Arms embrace, and from his Lips
Glean Science, season'd with good-natur'd Wit.
But if th'inclement Skies, and angry Jove
Forbid the pleasing Intercourse, thy Books 385
Invite
