Young Reynard

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I

Gracefullest leaper, the dappled fox-cub
Curves over brambles with berries and buds,
Light as a bubble that flies from the tub,
Whisked by the laundry-wife out of her suds.
Wavy he comes, woolly, all at his ease,
Elegant, fashioned to foot with the deuce;
Nature's own prince of the dance:  then he sees
Me, and retires as if making excuse.

II

Never closed minuet courtlier!  Soon
Cub-hunting troops were abroad, and a yelp
Told of sure scent:  ere the stroke upon noon
Reynard the younger lay far beyond help.
Wild, my poor friend, has the fate to be chased;
Civil will conquer:  were 't other 'twere worse;
Fair, by the flushed early morning embraced,
Haply you live a day longer in verse.

© George Meredith