Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/24

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THE CHACE.
Book I.
No stated Rule, his wanton Will his Guide. 40With Clubs and Stones, rude Implements of War,He arm'd his savage Bands, a MultitudeUntrain'd; Of twining Osiers form'd, they pitchTheir artless Toiles, then range the desert Hills,And scow'r the Plains below; the trembling Herd 45Start at th' unusual Sound, and clam'rous ShoutUnheard before; surpriz'd alass! to findMan now their Foe, whom erst they deem'd their Lord,But mild, and gentle, and by whom as yetSecure they graz'd. Death stretches o'er the Plain 50Wide-wasting, and grim Slaughter red with Blood:Urg'd on by Hunger keen, they wound, they kill,Their Rage licentious knows no bound; at lastIncumber'd with their Spoils, joyful they bearUpon their Shoulders broad, the bleeding Prey. 55Part on their Altars smokes a Sacrifice

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