266 Somerviles [thirI) 



But, wrung with anguifh, bears not long the fight. 

 Shoots down the fteep, and fweats along the vale : 

 There mingles with the herd, where once he reign'd 

 Proud monarch of the groves, whofe clafhing beam 

 His rivals aw'd, and v^hofe exalted pow'r 

 Was ftill rewarded with fuccefsful love. 

 But the bafe herd have learn'd the ways of men, 

 Averfe they fly, or with rebellious aim 

 Chace him from thence : needlefs their impious deed. 

 The huntfman knows him by a thoufand marks. 

 Black, and imboft j nor are his hounds deceiv'd ; 

 Too well diilinguifli thefe, and never leave 

 Their once-devoted foe j familiar grows 

 His fcent, and Itrong their appetite to kill. 

 Again he flies, and with redoubled fpeed 

 Skims o'er the lawn ; ftill the tenacious crew 

 Hang on the track, aloud demand their prey. 

 And pufli him many a league. If haply then 

 Too far efcap'd, and the gay courtly train 

 Behind are cafl:, the huntfman's clanging whip 

 Stops full their bold career ; pafllve they fl:and, 

 Unmov'd, an humble, an obfequious crowd. 

 As if by fl:ern Medufa gaz'd to llones. 

 So at their gen'ral's voice whole armies halt 

 In full purfuit, and check their thirfl: of blood. 

 Soon at the king's command, like hafty fi:reams 

 Damm'd up awhile, they foam, and pour along 

 With frefli recruited might. The fl:ag, who hop'd 

 His foes were loft:, now once more hears aftunn'd 



The 



