That I of doubted danger had no fear:

I went the wasteful woods and forest wide,

Withouten dread of wolves to be espied.

"I wont to range amid the mazy thicket,

And gather nuts to make my Christmas-game,

And joyed oft to chase the trembling pricket,

Or hunt the heartless hare till she were tame.

What recked I of wintry age's waste?—

Then deemed I my spring would ever last.

"How often have I scaled the craggy oak,