The Tamed Fawn.

A young stag in the brake was caught,             And home with corded antlers brought.             The lord was pleased: so was the clown.             When he was tipped with half-a-crown.             The stag was dragged before his wife;             The gentle lady begged its life:             "How sleek its skin! how specked like ermine!             Sure never creature was more charming."             At first within the court confined,             He fled and hid from all mankind;             Then, bolder grown, with mute amaze             He at safe distance stood to gaze;             Then munched the linen on the lines,             And off a hood or whimple dines;             Then steals my little master's bread,             Then followed servants to be fed,             Then poked his nose in fists for meat,             And though repulsed would not retreat;             Thrusts at them with his levelled horns,             And man, that was his terror, scorns.             How like unto the country maid,             Who of a red-coat, first, afraid             Will hide behind the door, to trace             The magic of the martial lace;             But soon before the door will stand,             Return the jest and strike the hand;             Then hangs with pride upon his arm, -             For gallant soldiers bear a charm, -             Then seeks to spread her conquering fame,             For custom conquers fear and shame.