PART I

Seek who will delight in fable I shall tell you truth. A Lamb Leapt from this steep bank to follow ’Cross the brook its thoughtless dam.[291]

Far and wide on hill and valley 5 Rain had fallen, unceasing rain, And the bleating mother’s Young-one Struggled with the flood in vain:

But, as chanced, a Cottage-maiden (Ten years scarcely had she told) 10 Seeing, plunged into the torrent, Clasped the Lamb and kept her hold. Whirled adown the rocky channel, Sinking, rising, on they go, Peace and rest, as seems, before them 15 Only in the lake below.

Oh! it was a frightful current Whose fierce wrath the Girl had braved; Clap your hands with joy my Hearers, Shout in triumph, both are saved; 20

Saved by courage that with danger Grew, by strength the gift of love, And belike a guardian angel Came with succour from above.