The Old Dog and the Huntsman

A Dog, that time and often tried, His master always satisfied; And whensoever he assail'd, Against the forest-beasts prevail'd Both by activity and strength,, Through years began to flag at length One day, when hounded at a boar, His ear he seized, as heretofore; But with his teeth, decay'd and old, Could not succeed to keep his hold. A t which the huntsman, much concern'd, The vet'ran huff'd, who thus return'd: " My resolution and my aim, Though not my strength, are still the same; For what I am if I am chid, Praise what I was, and what I did." Philetus, you the drift perceive Of this, with which I take my leave.