The dripping covert: yet when Winter's cold Their limbs benumbs, thither with speed returned _40 In the long grass they skulk, or shrinking creep Among the withered leaves, thus changing still, As fancy prompts them, or as food invites. But every season carefully observed, The inconstant winds, the fickle element, The wise experienced huntsman soon may find His subtle, various game, nor waste in vain His tedious hours, till his impatient hounds With disappointment vexed, each springing lark Babbling pursue, far scattered o'er the fields. _50 Now golden Autumn from her open lap Her fragrant bounties showers; the fields are shorn; Inwardly smiling, the proud farmer views The rising pyramids that grace his yard, And counts his large increase; his barns are stored, And groaning staddles bend beneath their load. All now is free as air, and the gay pack In the rough bristly stubbles range unblamed; No widow's tears o'erflow, no secret curse Swells in the farmer's breast, which his pale lips _60 Trembling conceal, by his fierce landlord awed: But courteous now he levels every fence, Joins in the common cry, and halloos loud, Charmed with the rattling thunder of the field. Oh bear me, some kind Power invisible! To that extended lawn, where the gay court View the swift racers, stretching to the goal; Games more renowned, and a far nobler train, Than proud Elean fields could boast of old. Oh! were a Theban lyre not wanting here, _70 And Pindar's voice, to do their merit right! Or to those spacious plains, where the strained eye In the wide prospect lost, beholds at last Sarum's proud spire, that o'er the hills ascends, And pierces through the clouds. Or to thy downs, Fair Cotswold, where the well-breathed beagle climbs, With matchless speed, thy green aspiring brow, And leaves the lagging multitude behind. Hail, gentle Dawn! mild blushing goddess, hail! Rejoiced I see thy purple mantle spread _80 O'er half the skies, gems pave thy radiant way, And orient pearls from every shrub depend. Farewell, Cleora; here deep sunk in down Slumber secure, with happy dreams amused, Till grateful steams shall tempt thee to receive Thy early meal, or thy officious maids, The toilet placed, shall urge thee to perform The important work. Me other joys invite, The horn sonorous calls, the pack awaked Their matins chant, nor brook my long delay. _90 My courser hears their voice; see there with ears And tail erect, neighing he paws the ground; Fierce rapture kindles in his reddening eyes, And boils in every vein. As captive boys Cowed by the ruling rod, and haughty frowns Of pedagogues severe, from their hard tasks, If once dismissed, no limits can contain The tumult raised within their little breasts, But give a loose to all their frolic play: