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--