Page:The Seasons - Thomson (1791).djvu/87

 Bears forward fierce, and guards his osier-isle, Protective of his young. The turkey nigh, Loud-threatning, reddens; while the peacock spreads His every-colour'd glory to the sun, And swims in floating majesty along. O'er the whole homely scene, the cooing dove Flies thick in amorous chace, and wanton rolls The glancing eye, and turns the changeful neck.

thus the gentle tenants of the shade Indulge their purer loves, the rougher world Of brutes, below, rush furious into flame, And fierce desire. Thro' all his lusty veins The bull, deep-scorch'd, the raging passion feels. Of pasture sick, and negligent of food, Scarce seen, he wades among the yellow broom, While o'er his ample sides the rambling sprays Luxuriant shoot; or thro' the mazy wood Dejected wanders, nor th' inticing bud Crops, the' it presses on his careless sense. And oft, in jealous madning fancy wrapt, He seeks the sight; and, idly-butting, feigns His rival gor'd in every knotty trunk. Him should he meet, the bellowing war begins; Their eyes flash fury; to the hollow'd earth, Whence the sand flies, they mutter bloody deeds, And groaning deep, th' impetuous battle mix: While the fair heifer, balmy-breathing, near, Stands kindling up their rage. The trembling steed, With this hot impulse seiz'd in every nerve, Nor hears the rein, nor heeds the sounding thong; Blows are not felt; but tossing high his head, And by the well known joy to distant plains Attracted strong, all wild he bursts away; O'er