The Town Rabbit in the Country

Three hours ago in Seven Dials

She lived awaiting all the trials

That haunt her race, but now shall be

Freed on the lawn to play with me.

In the dim shop her eyes were grey

And languid; but in this bright day

To a full circle each dilates,

And turns the blue of Worcester plates

In the unaccustomed sun; she stares

At strange fresh leaves; the passing airs,

Outstretching from her box's brink,

She gulps as if her nose could drink.

Now o'er the edge she scrambles slow,

Too pleased to know which way to go --

Half dazed with pleasure she explores

This sunny, eatable out-of-doors.

Then shakes and tosses up her ears

Like plumes upon bold cavaliers --

The dust flies out as catherine-wheels

Throw sparks as round she twirls and reels --

Her spine it quivers like an eel's --

Over her head she flings her heels,

Comes down askew, then waltzes till

She must reverse or else feel ill --

Reverses, then lies down and pants

As one who has no further wants,

Staring with half-believing eyes

Like souls that wake in Paradise.