My Life had stood -- a Loaded Gun --

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

And now We roam the --[^a1]in Sovreign Woods --
And now We hunt the Doe --
And every time I speak for Him --
The Mountains straight reply --

[^a1: the -- | the --]

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

And when at Night -- Our good Day done --
I guard My Master's Head --
'Tis better than the Eider -- Duck's
low[^a2]Deep Pillow -- to have shared --

[^a2: low | low]

To foe of His -- I'm deadly foe --
None harm[^a3]stir the second time --
On whom I lay a Yellow Eye --
Or an emphatic Thumb --

[^a3: harm | harm]

Though I than He -- may longer live
He longer must -- than I --
For I have but the art[^a4]power to kill,
Without -- the power to die --

[^a4: art | art]