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O
NCE as I traveled through the West, with naught but trouble I was blessed. Of this one instance I speak free, as I took it down, while in a tree; Out West you know large bisons roam, and snakes and vermin seem at home, And wolves far larger than our dogs, besides hyenas and wild hogs. Well, as I roamed at leisure will, I spied far on a mound or hill A short-legged creature in a "hustle," and straight ahead stuck every " brustle "; I continued looking and could see this long-nosed villain stare at me, And, having neither knife or gun, at once concluded I would run. I started for an old elm tree, that seemed a half a mile from me, And ventured once to look around and saw the hog was gaining ground, So I commenced the race anew-now set my teeth and fairly flew: I gained the tree, reached up and found myself suspended from the ground; Thus I had sought and found relief, and ventured now to look beneath; Too plainly there was seen my foe; he lost the race and thought to go, But thinking I might lonely be, finally resolved to wait and see. At first I thought I'd have to give my life, so vicious hog could live; A thought then struck me to the heart, to gnaw and start a piece of bark. I gnawed with hope of being free, then tore a long strand from the tree; Forthwith I formed a running noose, and ventured then to let it loose. Firmly I tied the upper end, then o'er the hog did anxious bend And waited till it came just right, then pulled and found I had it tight; The " terror" dived and tore in vain; backed up and jumped and tried again, But found it was of no avail, to squeal and grunt and twist its tail. I soon perceived the conquered rage, to which the hog before engaged; It seemed to think 't was near its end, so I concluded to descend. And ever since then I have been, with civilized people, my fellow men. Here, where we dwell, wild hogs don't roam, but a two-legged smouge-hog seems at home; He'll set his nets, for others' " pelf," then drift around and catch himself. |
