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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CHASE: BOOK 2, by WILLIAM SOMERVILE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here on this verdant spot, where nature kind Last Line: And with the panting winds lag far behind. Alternate Author Name(s): Somerville, William | |||
Here on this verdant spot, where nature kind, With double blessings crowns the farmer's hopes; Where flowers autumnal spring, and the rank mead Affords the wand'ring hares a rich repast; Throw off thy ready pack. See, where they spread And range around, and dash the glitt'ring dew. If some staunch hound, with his authentic voice, Avow the recent trail, the justling tribe Attend his call, then with one mutual cry, The welcome news confirm, and echoing hills Repeat the pleasing tale. See how they thread The brakes, and up yon furrow drive along! But quick they back recoil, and wisely check Their eager haste; then o'er the fallowed ground How leisurely they work, and many a pause Th' harmonious concert breaks; till more assured With joy redoubled the low valleys ring. What artful labyrinths perplex their way! Ah! there she lies; how close! she pants, she doubts If now she lives; she trembles as she sits, With horror seized. The withered grass that clings Around her head, of the same russet hue Almost deceived my sight, had not her eyes With life full-beaming her vain wiles betrayed. At distance draw thy pack, let all be hushed, No clamour loud, no frantic joy be heard, Lest the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain Untractable, nor hear thy chiding voice. Now gently put her off; see how direct To her known muse she flies! Here, huntsman, bring (But without hurry) all thy jolly hounds, And calmly lay them in. How low they stoop, And seem to plough the ground! then all at once With greedy nostrils snuff the fuming steam That glads their flutt'ring hearts. As winds let loose From the dark caverns of the blustering God, They burst away, and sweep the dewy lawn. Hope gives them wings while she's spurred on by fear. The welkin rings, men, dogs, hills, rocks and woods In the full concert join. Now, my brave youths, Stripped for the chace, give all your souls to joy! See how their coursers, than the mountain roe More fleet, the verdant carpet skim, thick clouds Snorting they breathe, their shining hoofs scarce print The grass unbruised; with emulation fired They strain to lead the field, top the barred gate, O'er the deep ditch exulting bound, and brush The thorny-twining hedge; the riders bend O'er their arched necks; with steady hands, by turns Indulge their sped, or moderate their rage. Where are their sorrows, disappointments, wrongs, Vexations, sickness, cares? All, all are gone, And with the panting winds lag far behind. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HUDIBRAS AND MILTON RECONCILED; TO SIR ADOLPHUS OUGHTON by WILLIAM SOMERVILE PRESENTING TO A LADY A WHITE ROSE AND A RED, ON 10TH OF JUNE by WILLIAM SOMERVILE THE BOWLING-GREEN, SELECTION by WILLIAM SOMERVILE THE CHASE: BOOK 1 by WILLIAM SOMERVILE SURFACES AND MASKS; 3 by CLARENCE MAJOR STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING by ROBERT FROST THE SKELETON OF THE FUTURE; AT LENIN'S TOMB by CHRISTOPHER MURRAY GRIEVE THOSE EVENING BELLS by THOMAS MOORE THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 72. THE CHOICE (2) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI THE CALL OF THE WILD by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE |
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