 | Hunting Songs |  |
The Earth Stopper.
I
Terror of henroosts! now from hollow sand-earth,Safely at nightfall, round the quiet farmstead,
Reynard on tiptoe, meditating plunder,
Warily prowleth.
II
Rouse thee! Earth stopper! rouse thee from thy slumber!Get thee thy worsted hose and winter coat on,
While the good housewife, crawling from her blanket,
Lights thee thy lantern.
19
III
Clad for thy midnight silent occupation,Mount thy old doghorse, spade upon thy shoulder,
Wiry hair'd Vixen, wheresoe'er thou wendest,
Ready to follow.
IV
Though the chill rain drops, driven by the north wind,Pelt thy old jacket, soaking through and through thee,
Though thy worn hackney, blind and broken winded,
Hobble on three legs;
V
Finish thy night-work well, or woe betide thee,If on the morrow irritated Huntsman,
Back'd by a hundred followers in scarlet,
Find the earths open!
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