He was but little when the old dog died,
That had been with his father all the days
Of his young life that little Ned remembered;
He did not have his latin, knew no great laments
For faithful service rendered through a lifetime
Of wary nose, and quickly darting eyes.
He sat with her upon the kitchen flagstones,
Until her breath would still, stroking her coat,
And whispering to her 'I love you', so she'd know
Her masters would not let her go alone:
Faith yet repaid with faith, and all things in their place.-