Whence can the peril rise? What can that peril be? } “It soon appear’d, that while this nymph divine Moved on, there met her rude uncivil kine, Who knew her not--the damsel was not there Who kept them--all obedient--in her care; Strangers they thus defied and held in scorn, And stood in threat’ning posture, hoof and horn; 240 While Susan--pail in hand--could stand the while And prate with Daniel at a distant stile. “As feeling prompted, to the place I ran, Resolved to save the maids and show the man. Was each a cow like that which challenged Guy, } I had resolved t’ attack it, and defy } In mortal combat! to repel or die! } That was no time to parley--or to say, I will protect you--fly in peace away! Lo! yonder stile--but with an air of grace, 250 As I supposed, I pointed to the place. “The fair ones took me at my sign, and flew, Each like a dove, and to the stile withdrew; Where safe, at distance, and from terrors free, They turn’d to view my beastly foes and me. “I now had time my business to behold, And did not like it--let the truth be told: The cows, though cowards, yet in numbers strong, Like other mobs, by might defended wrong; In man’s own pathway fix’d, they seem’d disposed 260 For hostile measure, and in order closed, Then halted near me, as I judged, to treat, Before we came to triumph or defeat. “I was in doubt: ’twas sore disgrace, I knew, To turn my back, and let the cows pursue; And should I rashly mortal strife begin, ’Twas all unknown who might the battle win; And yet to wait, and neither fight nor fly, Would mirth create--I could not that deny; It look’d as if for safety I would treat, 270 Nay, sue for peace--No! rather come defeat! ‘Look to me, loveliest of thy sex! and give One cheering glance, and not a cow shall live; For lo! this iron bar, this strenuous arm, And those dear eyes to aid me as a charm.’ “Say, goddess! Victory! say, on man or cow Meanest thou now to perch?--On neither now-- For, as I ponder’d, on their way appear’d The Amazonian milker of the herd; These, at the wonted signals, made a stand, 280 And woo’d the nymph of the relieving hand; Nor heeded now the man, who felt relief Of other kind, and not unmix’d with grief; For now he neither should his courage prove, Nor in his dying moments boast his love. “My sovereign beauty with amazement saw-- So she declared--the horrid things in awe; Well pleased, she witness’d what respect was paid By such brute natures--Every cow afraid, And kept at distance by the powers of one, } 290 Who had to her a dangerous service done, } That prudence had declined, that valour’s self } might shun.