In life's first festal stage:

Gentle as yet,

A true child-lover, and, to men of age,

A thing whereat pride warms;

And oft he had it in his arms

Like any new-born babe, bright-faced, to hand

Wagging its tail, at belly's strict command.

But in due time upgrown,

The custom of progenitors was shown:

For—thanks for sustenance repaying