When risen from his den, he prances forth,

Extends his talons, shakes his flaky mane,

Then whurrs his tufted tail, and stooping low

His wide mouth near the ground, his dreadful roar

Makes all the desart tremble: he proclaims

His ire—proclaims his strong necessity;

And that surprise or artifice he scorns.

Unskill'd, alas! in philosophic lore,

Unbless'd with scientific erudition;

How can I sing of elemental War,