Lie down -- lie down! -- my noble hound, <br />That joyful bark give o'er; <br />It wakes the lonely echoes round, <br />But rouses me no more -- <br />Thy lifted ears, thy swelling chest, <br />Thy eyes so keenly bright, <br />No longer kindle in my breast <br />The thrill of fierce delight; <br />When following thee on foaming steed <br />My eager soul outstripped thy speed -- <br /> <br />Lie down -- lie down -- my faithful hound! <br />And watch this night by me, <br />For thee again the horn shall sound <br />By mountain, stream, and tree; <br />And thou along the forest glade, <br />Shall track the flying deer <br />When cold and silent, I am laid <br />In chill oblivion here. <br />Another voice shall cheer thee on, <br />And glory when the chase is won. <br /> <br />Lie down -- lie down! -- my gallant hound! <br />Thy master's life is sped; <br />Go -- couch thee on the dewy ground -- <br />'Tis thine to watch the dead. <br />But when the blush of early day <br />Is kindling up the sky, <br />Then speed thee, faithful friend, away, <br />And to thy mistress hie; <br />And guide her to this lonely spot, <br />Though my closed eyes behold her not -- <br /> <br />Lie down -- lie down! -- my trusty hound! <br />Death comes, and we must part -- <br />In my dull ear strange murmurs sound -- <br />More faintly throbs my heart; <br />The many twinkling lights of heaven <br />Scarce glimmer in the blue -- <br />Chill round me falls the breath of even, <br />Cold on my brow the dew; <br />Earth, stars, and heavens, are lost to sight -- <br />The chase is o'er! -- brave friend, good night! --<br /><br />Susanna Moodie<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dying-hunter-to-his-dog-2/
