A Young Stag In The Brake Was Caught, And Home With Corded Antlers Brought. The Lord Was Pleased: So Was The Clown. When He Was Tipped With Half-A-Crown. The Stag Was Dragged Before His Wife; The Gentle Lady Begged Its Life: "How Sleek Its Skin! How Specked Like Ermine! Sure Never Creature Was More Charming." At First Within The Court Confined, He Fled And Hid From All Mankind; Then, Bolder Grown, With Mute Amaze He At Safe Distance Stood To Gaze; Then Munched The Linen On The Lines, And Off A Hood Or Whimple Dines; Then Steals My Little Master'S Bread, Then Followed Servants To Be Fed, Then Poked His Nose In Fists For Meat, And Though Repulsed Would Not Retreat; Thrusts At Them With His Levelled Horns, And Man, That Was His Terror, Scorns. How Like Unto The Country Maid, Who Of A Red-Coat, First, Afraid Will Hide Behind The Door, To Trace The Magic Of The Martial Lace; But Soon Before The Door Will Stand, Return The Jest And Strike The Hand; Then Hangs With Pride Upon His Arm, - For Gallant Soldiers Bear A Charm, - Then Seeks To Spread Her Conquering Fame, For Custom Conquers Fear And Shame.