[113]
MY first was ground beneath the oppressor’s wheel,
Subjected unto barbarous tyrannies;
With ears cut off, encaged in netted wire
Into a burning fiery furnace thrust.
My first take from my second, and my whole
Remains.
My second is a faithful friend.
Gaily with him across the moors I go
From morn to dewy eve.
I went one day
To visit an old man. Beside the fire
He sate. His well-loved pipe, made of my whole,
He smoked in calm and undisturbed content.
[114]
MY first ’s a very common thing,—
It has been worn by cat and king;
Part of my lady’s fine attire,
The soldier’s pride, the tramp’s desire.
My second, with a vacant stare,
Jaunty red cap and curling hair,
Once at a gay and festive scene,
Captured a bright and smiling queen.
My whole is very often used
To hit a beast that ’s much abused.
[115]
MY dogs I love, my horses I adore;
They ’re much to me, and yet my last is more.
And though my first is less, my whole I know,
Has ever been my last’s unconquered foe.