Original Poetry.

Colonist, Issue 37, 26 February 1858, Page 3

Original Poetry.

HUNTING SONG OF UPPER CALIFORNIA. A grizzly bear, Grim, cruel, gruff, Lurks near his lair At the cave of a bluff. Come away for a share, In the hunt of the bear! With skulking smell, Like hungry wolf, He haunts each dell, Mountain, torrent, and gulf. He scouts for p; ey Where foul birds soar O'or lambs astray,— «. Or sweet fawns by the shore. Wo! Wo betide! If he should come, With stealthy stride, Where the child's from, his home ! Hard by the lake's Strange pyramid,— In darkest brakes, — There the ruffian is hid ! See, on the ground, On grass and sand, What blood is found!— There has dragged a live hand ' Hounds! gallant hounds, All scour along!— Their cry resounds Keen, avenging and strong ! ■ With surest blade, And rifle true, Speed on to aid, Or the fight to renew! 0 come away! There's life at stake ; Old growler's play ■-■■■■■ Makes the bush ring and shake! He laughs and grins,— He scoffs our fun; — But can his sins * Merry death's volley shun ? Down on him then !— The murd'rous wretch Dies by his den,

With vile claws at full stretch ! The roughest " brave " His skin may wear; But brand him slave If his temper's a bear! Now, hurrah for a share, In the hunt of the bear!

ORION.

February 23, 1857