The Empty Kennel. 223 



Tell me if you think I meant it, 



Tell me not in manner meek, 

 Hurt me not with your forgiveness, 



But on me quick vengeance wreak. 



Said he : " Master if you did it, 



Then I know it must be right, 

 I have been a true companion, 



Worked and loved with all my might. 

 If from you I should receive this, 



Then my dying pains are light ; 

 If my day has brought you pleasure, 



Gladly pass I into night." 



Tenderly I laid him out then 



On a golden wood-brake sheaf, 

 Made for him a brilliant covering 



Of the sumac's scarlet leaf. 

 Sadly left him with the Dryads, 



Asked of them to share my grief : 

 Faithful friend of man the setter, 



Dead with friend of nymph the leaf. 



On the kennel floor the chain lies 



Where it lay a year ago ; 

 Rusty, knotted, wound in cobweb, 



Where cold spiders hide below. 

 Creaking on its unused hinges, 



Swings the loose door to and fro, 

 And the kennel straw is mildewed 



Dampened by the sifting snow. 



