And if one or two quick tears 

 Dropped upon his glossy ears 



Or a sigh came double, 

 Up he sprang in eager haste, 

 Fawning, fondling, breathing fast, 



In a tender trouble. 



And this dog was satisfied 



If a pale thin hand would glide 



Down his dewlaps sloping, — 

 Which he pushed his nose within, 

 After, — platforming his chin 



On the palm left open. 



This dog, if a friendly voice 

 Call him now to blither choice 



Than such chamber-keeping, 

 " Come out ! " praying from the door,- 

 Presseth backward as before, 



Up against me leaping. 



Therefore to this dog will I, 

 Tenderly not scornfully, 



Render praise and favour : 

 With my hand upon his head, 

 Is my benediction said 



Therefore and for ever. 



And because he loves me so, 

 Better than his kind will do 

 Often man or woman, 



167 



