FOREST, LAKE, AND RIVER 



Vain his dashes and his lashes 

 Of the foam to flying flashes ! 

 Vain his valor ; his endurance ! 

 At the last he finds his muscles 

 Failing fast ; and slowly, slowly. 

 From the big, black pool, his palace, 

 And from memories of his kingdom, 

 He is dragged up stream by power 

 Not to be withstood or baffled. 

 Just once more he feints and rushes ; 

 But he only grows the fainter, 

 And no respite now is granted 

 In a resting to recover. 

 Still, he rolls his eyes undaunted, 

 When by gaff-stroke he is lifted 

 'To the skiff where smiles his victor, 

 Who with praises for his gameness, 

 And with proudly gloating eye, 

 And in heart a song of triumph, 

 Sees the River Monarch die. 



