Animals and Their Countries
O’er Afric’s sand the tawny lion stalks:
On Phasis’ banks the graceful pheasant walks:
The lonely eagle builds on Kilda’s shore:
Germania’s forests feed the tusky boar:
From Alp to Alp the sprightly ibex bounds:
With peaceful lowings Britain’s isle resounds:
The Lapland peasant o’er the frozen meer
Is drawn in sledges by the swift raindeer:
The river-horse and scaly crocodile
Infest the reedy banks of fruitful Nile:
Dire dipsas hiss o’er Mauritania’s plain:
And seals and spouting whales sport in the northern Main.