380 NATURAL HISTORY READER. 



GRIZZLY. 



1. Coward — of heroic size, 

 In whose lazy muscles lies 

 Strength we fear and yet despise ; 

 Savage — whose relentless tusks 

 Are content with acorn-husks ; 

 Eobber — whose exploits ne'er soared 

 O'er the bee's or squirrel's hoard ; 

 Whiskered chin and feeble nose, 

 Claws of steel on baby toes — 

 Here, in solitude and shade, 

 Shambling, shuffling plantigrade, 

 Be thy courses undismayed. 



2. Here, where Nature makes thy bed, 

 Let thy rude, half -human tread 



Point to hidden Indian springs, 

 Lost in ferns and fragrant grasses, 



Hovered o'er by timid wings, 

 Where the wood-duck lightly passes, 

 Where the wild bee holds her sweets- 

 Epicurean retreats, 

 Fit for thee, and better than 

 Fearful sports of dangerous man. 



3. In thy fat-jowled deviltry 

 Friar Tuck shall live with thee. 

 Thou mayst levy tithe and dole ; 



Thou shalt spread the woodland cheer, 

 From the pilgrim taking toll ; 



Match thy cunning with his fear ; 

 Eat and drink, and have thy fill, 

 Yet remain an outlaw still ! 



Bret Harte. 



