Contrast of their near approaching fate.

v. 333.

There panting stop; yet scarcely can refrain;
A bird, a leaf, will set them off again:
Or, if a gale with strength unusual blow,
Scatt'ring the wild-briar roses into snow,
Their little limbs increasing efforts try,
Like the torn flower the fair assemblage fly.
Ah, fallen rose! sad emblem of their doom;
Frail as thyself, they perish while they bloom!
Though unoffending Innocence may plead,
Though frantic Ewes may mourn the savage deed,
Their shepherd comes, a messenger of blood,
And drives them bleating from their sports and food.
Care loads his brow, and pity wrings his heart,
For lo, the murd'ring BUTCHER, with his cart,
Demands the firstlings of his flock to die,
And makes a sport of life and liberty!

His gay companions Giles beholds no more;

Clos'd are their eyes, their fleeces drench'd in gore;

v. 351.

Conclusion of the first Book.

Nor can Compassion, with her softest notes,

Withhold the knife that plunges through their throats. Down, indignation! hence, ideas foul!

Away the shocking image from my soul!

Let kindlier visitants attend my way,
Beneath approaching Summer's fervid ray;

Nor thankless glooms obtrude, nor cares annoy,
Whilst the sweet theme is universal joy.

SUMMER.

ARGUMENT.

Turnip sowing. Wheat ripening. Sparrows. Insects. The sky-lark. Reaping, &c. Harvestfield, Dairy-maid, &c. Labours of the barn. The gander. Night; a thunder storm. Harvesthome. Reflections, &c.