THE LOVE-CHACE 



When absent, fancy must pursue 

 Her form, and keep her face in view ; 

 Fond thoughts must Hke the busy pack 

 Unceasingly her footsteps track. 



The doubt, the agony, the fear, 

 Are fences raised for you to clear ; 

 Push on through pique, rebuff, and scorn. 

 As hunters brush through hedge of thorn ; 

 On dark despondency still look 

 As hunters on a yawning brook. 

 If for one moment on the brink 

 You falter, in you fall — and sink. 



Though following fast the onward track. 

 Turn quickly when she doubles back ; 

 Whenever check'd, whenever crost, 

 Still never deem the quarry lost ; 

 Cast forward first, if that should fail, 

 A backward cast may chance avail ; 

 Cast far and near, cast all around, 

 Leave not untried one inch of ground. 



Should envious rival at your side 

 Cling, jostling as you onward ride. 

 Then let not jealousy deter. 

 But use it rather as a spur ; 

 Outstrip him ere he interfere, 

 And splash the dirt in his career. 



E 33 



