My Life Had Stood

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–