The Empty Kennel. 



When at noon we stopped a moment, 



At the spring beneath the pine, 

 If he put his nose in first there, 



His was just as good as mine. 

 For we shared nice things together, 



On the moss we 'd drink and dine. 

 Side by side our single shadow 



Made a pretty friendship sign. 



Late that day the slanting sunbeams 



Reddened all the rocky hill, 

 With a strange unnatural lighting, 



Colors boding something ill. 

 Through the forest sped a rabbit, 



Tempting me to try my skill, 

 'T was no rabbit, but a spirit, 



Some foul thing I could not kill. 



Soon its evil work was ended. 



Grouse came slowly back to me, 

 Looked up at me, asked a question, 



Laid his head against my knee. 

 On his neck there was a blood stain, 



But no mortal eye could see 

 What the wound was how it came there, 



Boy ! asked I, what can this be ? 



What is this my bonnie setter ? 



Why do you my presence seek ? 

 'T is not true that I have harmed you, 



Oh ! if you could only speak. 



