THE DOG.


BALLAD THE FIRST.

Of all the speechless friends of man
The faithful dog I deem
Deserving from the human clan
The tenderest esteem:

This feeling creature form'd to love,
To watch, and to defend,
Was given to man by powers above,
A guardian, and a friend!

I sing, of all e'er known to live
The truest friend canine;
And glory if my verse may give,
Brave Fido! it is thine.

A dog of many a sportive trick,
Tho' rough and large of limb.
Fido would chase the floating stick
When Lucy cried, "go swim."

And what command could Lucy give,
Her dog would not obey?
For her it seemed his pride to live,
Blest in her gentle sway!