Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/164

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124
HOURS OF IDLENESS.

And, hark! the horns proclaim a mellow note,
The hunters' cry hangs lengthening on the breeze.


32.

Beneath their coursers' hoofs the valleys shake;
What fears! what anxious hopes! attend the chase!
The dying stag seeks refuge in the lake;
Exulting shouts announce the finish'd race.


33.

Ah happy days! too happy to endure!
Such simple sports our plain forefathers knew:
No splendid vices glitter'd to allure;
Their joys were many, as their cares were few.


34.

From these descending, Sons to Sires succeed;
Time steals along, and Death uprears his dart;
Another Chief impels the foaming steed,
Another Crowd pursue the panting hart.


35.

Newstead! what saddening change of scene is thine!
Thy yawning arch betokens slow decay;
The last and youngest of a noble line,
Now holds thy mouldering turrets in his sway.


36.

Deserted now, he scans thy gray worn towers;
Thy vaults, where dead of feudal ages sleep;