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First Line: I was not useful? So
Last Line: Was nothing but a brute
Alternate Author Name(s): Dorothy, Greenwell


I WAS not useful? So
He says, nor young nor strong.
My master ought to know,
I've followed him so long.
For many and many a day
I followed well content.
Might I but go the way
That he, my master, went.
I listened for his foot,
I strove his thought to scan;
For I was but a brute,
And he I loved was man.
O'er all that he held dear,
A patient watch to keep,
With light, attentive ear
I listened in my sleep.
The stealthy foot withdrew,
The daring hand was stayed;
My growl the robber knew,
And fled the spot dismayed.
1 knew my master's voice.
My nature's bounded plan
Had left my love no choice,
And he I loved was man.
And often would I watch
His inmost thought to prove.
His hidden will to catch:
A brute can only love.
I waited for a crumb,
From off his daily meal
To fall for me: a dumb
Poor brute can only feel.
I thought he loved me well.
But when my eye grew dim-
I leave the tale I tell
As it is told by him -
Some secret hint to track
Of life's poor trembling flame,
He nailed me to a rack,
He pierced and tore my frame.
He saw me slowly die
In agonies acute:
For he was man, and I
Was nothing but a brute!






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