[p29]
All is silent at first, then the loud cracking thunder
Bursts at once o’er their heads, and o’erwhelms them with wonder!
His danger by instinct each quadruped knows,
Now confusion has taken the place of repose:
The bears shake their coats, and roll off with a growl,
Wolves, dogs, wolverenes, scamper off in full howl.
With their quills mounting guard, timid porcupines wait,
Whilst the Jaguar and Couguar crouch low and retreat.
The sloth gently draws himself up on a bough,
The raccoon slyly enters the hollow below.