Free, to quaff nectar from the spring's fair face,
To view in glassy pools, thy mirrowed grace;
Free, to roam leisurely the grassy hills,
Or browse the tender herbage by the rills;
Free, to wade knee-deep in the reed-fringed pond
Or rest, at noon-tide, in the shade beyond.
Thy late pursuers, baffled, cease their chase,
No foe will harm thee, in thy resting-place;
Soon, with thy faithful, boon companions near,
Forgotten all thy terror, danger, fear,
Thy fearless feet shall roam thy native sward
Unstained, unsullied by thy warm life blood.
The hunter's tiresome search is all in vain,
Lost is the splendid prize he hoped to gain;
Yet I can but rejoice that thou art free,
Fleet, gentle creature, born to liberty.
To view in glassy pools, thy mirrowed grace;
Free, to roam leisurely the grassy hills,
Or browse the tender herbage by the rills;
Free, to wade knee-deep in the reed-fringed pond
Or rest, at noon-tide, in the shade beyond.
Thy late pursuers, baffled, cease their chase,
No foe will harm thee, in thy resting-place;
Soon, with thy faithful, boon companions near,
Forgotten all thy terror, danger, fear,
Thy fearless feet shall roam thy native sward
Unstained, unsullied by thy warm life blood.
The hunter's tiresome search is all in vain,
Lost is the splendid prize he hoped to gain;
Yet I can but rejoice that thou art free,
Fleet, gentle creature, born to liberty.
[ 61 ]
