My Life had stood—a Loaded Gun
In Corners—till a Day
The Owner passed—identified
And carried Me away

And now We roam in Sovereign Woods
And now We hunt the Doe
And every time I speak for Him
The Mountains straight reply

And do I smile, such cordial light
Upon the Valley glow
It is as a Vesuvian face
Had let its pleasure through

And when at Night—Our good Day done
I guard My Master's Head
'Tis better than the Eider-Duck's
Deep Pillow—to have shared

To foe of His—I'm deadly foe
None stir the second time
On whom I lay a Yellow Eye
Or an emphatic Thumb

Though I than He—may longer live
He longer must—than I
For I have but the power to kill
Without—the power to die