FAVOURITE FABLES. 37

FABLE XXX.
THE COLT AND THE FARMER.

A cott, for blood and mettled speed,
The choicest of the running breed,
Of youthful strength and beauty vain,
Refused subjection to the rein.

In vain the groom’s officious skill
Opposed his pride, and checked his will ;
In vain the master’s forming care
Restrained with threats, or soothed with prayer :
Of freedom proud, and scorning man,
Wild o’er the spacious plain he ran.

Where’er luxuriant Nature spread
Her flowery carpet o’er the mead,
Or bubbling streams soft gliding pass
To cool and freshen up the grass,
Disdaining bounds, he cropped the blade,
And wantoned in the spoil he made.