rong sow by the ear; he should have sent
them to Newfoundland, or Kamchatka, there's no sheep there--But never
mind, go on, Roger.

ROGER. Nor was their voracious appetites satiated there; they rush'd
into the town of Concord, and proceeded to devour every thing that lay
in their way; and those brute devils, like Sampson's foxes (and as tho'
they were men), thrice attempted with firebrands to destroy our corn,
our town-house and habitations.

DICK. Heavens! Could not all this provoke you?

ROGER. It did; rage prompted us at length, and found us arms 'gainst
such hellish mischief to oppose.

DICK. Oh, would I had been there!

ROGER. Our numbers increasing, and arm'd with revenge, we in our turn
play'd the man; they, unus'd to wounds, with hideous yelling soon betook
themselves to a precipitate and confused flight, nor did we give o'er
the chase, till Phoebus grew drowsy, bade us desist, and wished us a
good night.

DICK. Of some part of their hasty retreat I was a joyful spectator, I
saw their tongues lolling out of their mouths, and heard them pant like
hunted wolves indeed.

ROGER. Did you not hear how their mirth was turn'd into mourning? their
fury into astonishment? how soon they quitted their howling Yankee
Doodle, and chang'd their notes to bellowing? how nimbly (yet against
their will) they betook themselves to dancing? And he was then the
bravest dog that beat time the swiftest, and footed Yankee Doodle the
nimblest.

DICK. Well pleased, Roger, was I with the chase, and glorious sport it
was: I oft perceiv'd them tumbling o'er each other heels over head; nor
did one dare stay to help his brother--but, with bloody breech, made the
best of his way--nor ever stopped till they were got safe within their
lurking-holes--

ROGER. From whence they have not the courage to peep out, unless four to
one, except (like a skunk) forc'd by famine.

DICK. May this be the fate of all those prowling sheep-stealers, it
behooves the shepherds to double the watch, to take uncommon precaution
and care of their tender flocks, more especially as this is like to be
an uncommon severe winter, by the appearance of wolves, so early in the
season--but, hark!--Roger, methinks I hear the sound of melody warbling
thro' the grove--Let's sit a while, and partake of it unseen.

ROGER. With all my heart.--Most delightful harmony! This is the First of
May; our shepherds and nymphs are celebrating our glorious St. Tammany's
day; we'll