THE AUREOLUS 



Here resting near a giant lichen d ledge ^ 

 Where grow tall -pines that lean fward ridge beyond ; 

 In waters deep enfringed with rock-ribbed edge^ 

 Seek I for game ne er found in stagnant pond. 



Down^ down amid the icy water , pure^ 

 Where sunlight dwindles to a starlit way^ 

 Temptation^ in the guise of dainty lure^ 

 I casty with throbbing hope and spirits gay. 



A maddened power strives now the line to hold^ 

 Unseen^ but not unknown^ O captive stern ; 

 The contest waxes strong as jousts of old; 

 For glimpse of hidden foe my senses yearn. 



Now sings the reel a song of victory ^ 

 Now flashes forth a streak of living light ^ — 

 A gleaming meteor struggling to be free, 

 To sportsmen s eyes a vision of delight. 



Alas, the glory of the lake^ its gem^ 

 Fades y noWy in force before the fire of day, 

 As flowers at nightfall droop upon their stem. 

 Embracing death, while life-tints fade away. 



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