Thus while she ponder'd clamorous came
Poor Tray, with scratch and whine,
The mistress rose, and much to blame
His rudeness did incline.
As gladly she the door unbarr'd,
Her weary man to greet,
The generous dog, with kind regard,
Rush'd fondling round her feet.
He moaned, he howl'd, he seized her gown,
And drew her gently forth;
She follow'd him across the down,
For she had prov'd his worth.
Beside the road the quarries lay,
Capacious, dark, and deep;
The steed had swerv'd one step astray,
And tumbled down the steep.
There lay poor Ambrose, stunn'd and pale,
Unhurt, his beast stands by;
And thither Tray, with frisking tail,
Attracts his mistress' eye.
Nor would he quit his master's side,
Such sympathy he found——
He lick'd his pallid cheek, and tried
To raise him from the ground.
Heaven, and her friends, their aid afford
To Julia's tears and vows,
And soon to life and love restor'd
Her much lamented spouse.
On wintry nights, when beats the storm,
And howling winds prevail,
The children round the brick hearth warm,
Repeat th' affecting tale.
While Tray, outstretch'd, the fire enjoys,
And rests his long white chin
On their soft laps who speak his praise,
And pat his downy skin.
O happy dog! no faithless man,
With prouder gifts endu'd,
Shall ever, share with thee, or scan
The joys of gratitude.