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Part I. What followed?—yielding to the shock

The Ass, as if to take his ease,

In quiet uncomplaining mood

Upon the spot where he had stood

Dropt gently down upon his knees.

And then upon his side he fell

And by the river's brink did lie

And, as he lay like one that mourn'd,

The patient beast on Peter turn'd

His shining hazel eye.

'Twas but one mild, reproachful look,

A look more tender than severe;

And straight in sorrow, not in dread,

He turn'd the eye-ball in his head

Towards the river deep and clear.