The Works of the English Poets: Somervile

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Page 82 - O'er yon dank rushy marsh The sly goose-footed prowler bends his course, And seeks the distant shallows. Huntsman, bring Thy eager pack, and trail him to his couch. Hark ! the loud peal begins, the clamorous joy, The gallant chiding, loads the trembling air. Ye Naiads fair, who o'er these floods preside, Raise up your dripping heads above the wave, And hear our melody. Th...
Page 50 - Wide-gaping, threatens death : the craggy steep, Where the poor dizzy shepherd crawls with care, And clings to every twig, gives us no pain ; But down we sweep, as stoops the falcon bold To pounce his prey : then up the opponent hill, By the swift motion slung, we mount aloft.
Page 26 - Converse familiar with th' illustrious dead ; With great examples of old Greece or Rome, Enlarge thy free-born heart, and bless kind Heaven, That Britain yet enjoys dear Liberty, That balm of life, that sweetest blessing, cheap Though purchas'd with our blood.
Page 83 - Of all the brutes, Whether by Nature form'd, or by long use, This artful diver best can bear the want Of vital air. Unequal is the fight, Beneath the whelming element. Yet there He lives not long ; but respiration needs At proper intervals. Again he vents ; Again the crowd attack.
Page 30 - No widow's tears o'erflow, no secret curse Swells in the farmer's breast, which his pale lips Trembling conceal, by his fierce landlord aw'd : But courteous now he levels every fence, Joins in the common cry, and halloos loud, Charm'd with the rattling thunder of the field.
Page 31 - Th' important work. Me other joys invite, The horn sonorous calls, the pack awak'd Their mattins chaunt, nor brook my long delay. My courser hears their voice ; see there, with ears And tail erect, neighing he paws the ground ; Fierce rapture kindles in his reddening eyes, And boils in every vein.
Page 58 - But perilous th' attempt. For if the steed Haply too near approach, or the loose earth His footing fail, the watchful, angry beast Th' advantage spies, and at one sidelong glance Rips up his groin. Wounded, he rears aloft, And, plunging, from his back the rider hurls Precipitant ; then bleeding spurns the ground, And drags his reeking entrails o'er the plain.
Page 39 - Dehli, opening wide her gates, Pours out her thronging legions, bright in arms, And all the pomp of war. Before them sound Clarions and trumpets, breathing martial airs, And bold defiance.
Page 73 - Confiding sure ; give him full scope to work His winding way, and with thy voice applaud His patience, and his care : soon shalt thou view The hopeful pupil leader of his tribe, And all the listening pack attend his call. Oft lead them forth where wanton lambkins play, And bleating dams with jealous eyes observe Their tender care.
Page 65 - To dare some great exploit : he charges home Upon the broken pack, that on each side Fly diverse ; then as o'er the turf he strains...

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