To My Dog "Blanco."

My dear dumb friend, low lying there, A willing vassal at my feet, Glad partner of my home and fare, My shadow in the street.

I look into your great brown eyes, Where love and loyal homage shine, And wonder where the difference lies Between your soul and mine!

For all of good that I have found Within myself or humankind, Hath royalty informed and crowned Your gentle heart and mind.

I scan the whole broad earth around For that one heart which, leal and true, Bears friendship without end or bound, And find the prize in you.

I trust you as I trust the stars; Nor cruel loss, nor scoff of pride, Nor beggary, nor dungeon-bars, Can move you from my side!

As patient under injury As any Christian saint of old, As gentle as a lamb with me, But with your brothers bold;

More playful than a frolic boy, More watchful than a sentinel, By day and night your constant joy, To guard and please me well:

I clasp your head upon my breast— And while you whine and lick my hand— And thus our friendship is confessed And thus we understand!

Ah, Blanco! did I worship God As truly as you worship me, Or follow where my master trod With your humility;

Did I sit fondly at His feet, As you, dear Blanco, sit at mine, And watch him with a love as sweet, My life would grow divine!