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 Strickland Moodie<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dying-hunter-to-his-dog/
