PYRENEAN SHEEP. 75 



he utters a shrill cry, and instantly the flock are seen 

 leaping down the rocks and scampering towards him. 

 Having waited until they have mustered round him, the 

 shepherd then sets off on his return to his cabin or 

 resting-place, his flock following behind like so many 

 well-trained hounds. There is no such sight among 

 those mountains as driving the sheep by means of dogs : 

 these faithful animals guard the flock from the attacks 

 of wolves and bears ; but they are never seen chasing 

 the sheep or biting the legs of stragglers. 



Allowing, then, that sheep have feeling and instinct 

 sufficient to prevent our charging them with stupidity, 

 let us trace the shepherd's task in the management of 

 these harmless creatures from their birth. 



" Say, ye that know, ye who have felt and seen 

 Spring's morning smiles, and soul-enlivening green, 

 Say, did you give the thrilling transport way ? 

 Did your eye brighten when young lambs at play 

 Leap'd o'er your path with animated pride, 

 Or gazed in merry clusters by your side 1 

 * * * 



A few begin a short but vigorous race, 

 And indolence abash'd soon flies the place. 

 Thus challenged forth, see thither, one by one. 

 From every side assembling playmates run ; 

 A thousand wily antics mark their stay, 

 A starting crowd impatient of delay. 

 Like the fond dove, from fearful prison freed, 

 Each seems to say, ' Come, let us try our speed ; ' 

 Away they scour, impetuous, ardent, strong, 

 The green turf trembling as they bound along ; 

 Adown the slope, then up the hillock climb, 

 Where every mole-hill is a bed of thyme ; 

 There panting stop, yet scarcely can refrain ; 

 A bird, a leaf, will set them off again : 

 Or if a gale with strength unusual blow, 

 Scattering the wild-briar roses into snow, 

 Their little limbs increasing efforts try, 

 Like the torn flower the fair assemblage fly." 



The frolics of young lambs are indeed a gladsome 

 sight to the shepherds as well as to others, for they 



