University of Virginia Library

previous section Fables in Song
next section

4.

Over the fens it fared, where dreamy rows
Of cattle farmward moved their wandering camp;
But scarce had reach'd the rivage, ere there rose
Resentful challenge from that churlish Swamp;
Hoarse as the choral croak that overflows
In gleaming eves of Spring the shallows damp,
And reedy brinks, of their spawn-mantled bogs,
From many thousand throats of querulous frogs:
“Halt, vagabond! halt where thou art!
Nor insult with thy presence abhorr'd
The floor of my palace. Depart,
Silly slave of an insolent lord!
101

“And thou, broad braggart, I pray
Invade not my virginal bed.
Let the earth to thy foot give way,
And the heaven to thy horrible head:
“Parade thine imperial mantle,
Which this lackey behind thee doth bear,
Till it leaves not uncover'd a cantle
Of the subject world—elsewhere:
“But sully not with it my fountain!
Queen am I in my realm: and thine,
Tho' it prison the sun, proud mountain,
I allow not alliance with mine.”
previous section Fables in Song
next section