My Life had stood—a Loaded Gun—

In Corners—till a Day

The Owner passed—identified—

And carried Me away—

5

And now We roam in Sovreign Woods—

And now We hunt the Doe—

And every time I speak for Him—

The Mountains straight reply—

And do I smile, such cordial light

10

Upon the Valley glow—

It is as a Vesuvian face

Had let its pleasure through—

And when at Night—Our good Day done—

I guard My Master’s Head—

15

’Tis better than the Eider-Duck’s¹

Deep Pillow—to have shared—

To foe of His—I’m deadly foe—

None stir the second time—

On whom I lay a Yellow Eye—

20

Or an emphatic Thumb—

Though I than He—may longer live

He longer must—than I—

For I have but the power to kill,

Without—the power to die—

(c. 1863)