SHELTER.

By the wide lake's margin I mark'd her lie -

The wide, weird lake where the alders sigh -

A young fair thing, with a shy, soft eye;

And I deem'd that her thoughts had flown

To her home, and her brethren, and sisters dear,

As she lay there watching the dark, deep mere,

All motionless, all alone.

Then I heard a noise, as of men and boys,

And a boisterous troop drew nigh.

Whither now will retreat those fairy feet?

Where hide till the storm pass by?

One glance — the wild glance of a hunted thing -

She cast behind her; she gave one spring;

And there follow'd a splash and a broadening ring

On the lake where the alders sigh.

She had gone from the ken of ungentle men!

Yet scarce did I mourn for that;

For I knew she was safe in her own home then,

And, the danger past, would appear again,

For she was a water-rat.