Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/94

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THE CHACE.
Book III.
And Avenue to Death. Hither he calls 230His watchful Bands; and low into the GroundA Pit they sink, full many a Fathom deep.Then in the midst a Column high is rear'd,The Butt of some fair Tree; upon whose TopA Lamb is plac'd, just ravish'd from his Dam. 235And next a Wall they build, with Stones and EarthEncircling round, and hiding from all ViewThe dreadful Precipice. Now when the ShadesOf Night hang low'ring o'er the Mountain's Brow;And Hunger keen, and pungent Thirst of Blood, 240Rouze up the slothful Beast, he shakes his Sides,Slow-rising from his Lair, and stretches wideHis rav'nous Paws, with recent Gore distain'd.The Forests tremble, as he roars aloud,Impatient to destroy. O'erjoy'd he hears 245The bleating Innocent, that claims in vainThe Shepherd's Care, and seeks with piteous Moan

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