Page:Livingstone in Africa.djvu/70

48 Wells that fill slowly when one deftly digs; Stunted green bushes, pools of rainwater, Where skeleton women drink from ostrich eggs; And even springs where tall lush grasses grow. Here the light zebra, and the swift wild ass, Bound by elastic, and the shaggy gnu Glares with red eye; here bristle porcupines; Fussy ichneumon scuttles; ratels tumble; Ash-hued coarse-haired anteaters with long snout Lurk, like distortions of a curious dream.

My long life moves before me like a dream!

The cheerful bustle of the morning march! Shouts of the driver; scuffling of loud beasts! Delicious swims and baths in some lone pool, With chestnut-colour'd leaves in the blue glass, And gorgeous birds reflected as they fly!

Appears the dear wild nightly bivouac In some dim forest,—I upon a couch Of woven rushes, under a furr'd hide,