Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/240

156 Eight legs, depending from his ample sides, Each well-built flank unequally divides; For five on this, on that side three are found, Four swiftly move, and four not touch the ground. Long time the moving prodigy I viewed, By gazing men, and barking dogs pursued. Cease ! cease your carols, both ! for lo the bell, With jarring notes, has rung out Pleasure's knell. Your startled comrades, ere the game be done, Quit their unfinished sports, and trembling run. Haste to your forms before the master call! With thoughtful step he paces o'er the hall, Does with stern looks each playful loiterer greet, Counts with his eye, and marks each vacant seat; Intense the buzzing murmur grows around, Loud through the dome the usher's strokes resound Sneak off, and to your places slily steal, Before the prowess of his arm you feel.