The Dying Hunter to His Dog

Lie down -- lie down! -- my noble hound,
              That joyful bark give o'er;
        It wakes the lonely echoes round,
              But rouses me no more --
        Thy lifted ears, thy swelling chest,
              Thy eyes so keenly bright,
        No longer kindle in my breast
              The thrill of fierce delight;
        When following thee on foaming steed
      My eager soul outstripped thy speed --

      Lie down -- lie down -- my faithful hound!
            And watch this night by me,
      For thee again the horn shall sound
            By mountain, stream, and tree;
      And thou along the forest glade,
            Shall track the flying deer
      When cold and silent, I am laid
            In chill oblivion here.
      Another voice shall cheer thee on,
      And glory when the chase is won.

      Lie down -- lie down! -- my gallant hound!
            Thy master's life is sped;
      Go -- couch thee on the dewy ground --
            'Tis thine to watch the dead.
      But when the blush of early day
            Is kindling up the sky,
      Then speed thee, faithful friend, away,
            And to thy mistress hie;
      And guide her to this lonely spot,
      Though my closed eyes behold her not --

      Lie down -- lie down! -- my trusty hound!
            Death comes, and we must part --
      In my dull ear strange murmurs sound --
            More faintly throbs my heart;
      The many twinkling lights of heaven
            Scarce glimmer in the blue --
      Chill round me falls the breath of even,
            Cold on my brow the dew;
      Earth, stars, and heavens, are lost to sight --
      The chase is o'er! -- brave friend, good night! --