Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/44

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So there his wondrous beauty woke Amid that hoary throng, Like rosebud on some rugged oak Engrafted strange and strong.

In vain they sought of every guest His parentage to trace, But his high brow and fearless breast Bespoke a generous race.

His grateful heart their love repaid, Contented with its lot, Nor was his brave deliverer's aid In cold neglect forgot.

Him, by the fire he fondly placed, With flowers his head would deck, And oft with ivory arms embraced His huge and stately neck.

That noble dog his sports would share, Observant when he smiled, Or rousing with a lion's air Would guard the trusting child,

Who seated on his brawny back Oft ventured down the steep With tiny staff to search the track Mid snowy valleys deep.

Their home amid this realm of frost, These men devout had made, To seek the wandering, save the lost, And lend the dying aid.