That age or injury has hollowed deep,

Where, on his bed of wool and matted leaves,

He has outslept the winter, ventures forth

To frisk a while, and bask in the warm sun,

The squirrel, flippant, pert, and full of play:

He sees me, and at once, swift as a bird,

Ascends the neighbouring beech; there whisks his brush,

And perks his ears, and stamps and scolds aloud.”

Cowper.