116 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



wander far from their temporary home, and return early 

 and in good order to their bed. 



After this, the stye is left open both day and night, and 

 the occupants are left to their own resources. The swine- 

 herd henceforth has little more trouble with them during 

 the time of their sojourning in the forest. He might study 

 Yirgil if it so pleased him, or fancy himself the faithful 

 swineherd who pastured his grunting charge beneath the 

 oaks of Ithica, when, 



" 'Mid cavern' d ways, the shaggy coast along, 

 With cliffs and nodding forests overhung, 

 Forth hasted he to tend his bristly care, 

 Well arm'd and fenced against nocturnal air ; 

 His weighty falchion o'er his shoulders tied, 

 His shaggy coat a mountain goat supplied ; 

 With his hroad spear, the dread of dogs and men, 

 To seek his lodging in the rocky den ; 

 There to the tusky herd he bends his way, 

 Where, screen'd from Boreas, high o'erarch'd they lay." 



In calm weather, when scarcely a breeze is stirring, and 



