Hath an instinct what to do;

Her hope is near: no turn she makes;

But, like an arrow, to the river takes.

Deep the river was, and crusted

Thinly by a one night’s frost;

But the nimble hare hath trusted

To the ice, and safely crost;

She hath crossed, and without heed

All are following at full speed,

When, lo! the ice, so thinly spread,