THE ELEPHANT. 
Grave thou art, and strangely wise, 
With observant, serious eyes, 
Somewhat in thy brain must be 
Of an old sagacity. 
Thou art solemn, wise and good ; 
Thou liv’st not on streaming blood ; 
Thou, and all thine ancient frere, 
Were of natures unsevere ; 
Preying not on one another ; 
Nourished by the general mother 
Who gave forests thick and tall, 
Food and shelter for you all. 
Elephant if thou hadst been 
Like the tiger fierce and keen, 
Like the lion of the brake, 
Or the deadly rattle-snake, 
Ravenous as thou art strong, 
Terror would to thee belong ; 
And before thy mates and thee, 
All the earth would desert be! 
But instead, thou yield’st thy will, 
Tractable, and peaceful still ; 
