Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/82

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62
THE CHACE.
Book III.
Wanders perplex'd, and darkling bleats in vain:
While in th'adjacent Bush, poor Philomel,
(Her self a Parent once, 'till wanton Churls
Despoil'd her Nest) joins in her loud Laments,
With sweeter Notes, and more melodious Woe.

For these nocturnal Thieves, Huntsman, prepare
Thy sharpest Vengeance. Oh! how glorious 'tis
To right th' oppress'd, and bring the Felon vile
To just Disgrace! E'er yet the Morning peep,
Or Stars retire from the first Blush of Day,
With thy far-echoeing Voice alarm thy Pack, 40
And rouse thy bold Compeers. Then to the Copse,
Thick with entangling Grass, or prickly Furze
With Silence lead thy many-colour'd Hounds,
In all their Beauty's Pride. See! how they range
Dispers'd, how busily this Way and that, 45
They cross, examining with curious Nose

Each