THE FORESTERS. 73 



Columbia's stars, and Britain's crosses flew. 

 Thus two stern champions watch each other's eye, 

 And mark each movement ready to let fly. 



Up to the ridge's top, high winding led, 

 There on a flat, dry plain, we gaily tread, 

 And stop, and list, with throbbing hearts to hear 

 The long-expected cataract to meet the ear ; 

 But list in vain. Though five short miles ahead, 

 All sound was hushed and every whisper dead. (51) 



" 'Tis strange," said Duncan, "here the sound might 

 reach." 

 " 'Tis all an April errand," answered Leech. 

 li Men to make books a thousand tales devise, 

 And nineteen twentieths are a pack of lies. 

 Here, three long weeks by storms and famine beat, 

 V\ ith sore bruised backs, and lame and blistered feet, 

 Here, nameless hardships, griefs and miseries past, 

 VI e find some mill-dam for our pains at last. 

 Once safe at home, kicked, cudgelled let me be 

 If e'er a bookmaker makes a fool of me." 

 He spoke and groaned ; for, heedless of his wo, 

 A stubborn stump assailed his corny toe, 

 Stunned with the stroke, he grinned and hopped around, 

 While peals oi mirth and laughter loud resound. 



Heavy and slow, increasing on the ear, 

 Deep through the woods a rising storm we hear, 

 TV approaching gust still loud and louder grows, 

 As when the strono- north-east resistless blows, 



