On Cruelty To Animals

SAY, lordly Man, of pow'rs possest,
That no inferior creatures know;
Say, can the mind with reason blest,
Relentless fury show.
To thy domain all beasts belong,
Yet why so merciless thy sway?
Why to the harmless, useful throng,
Such cruelty display?
Just accusations all may bring,
Against imperious Man complain;
Whatever spreads in air its wing,
Or grazes on the plain.
The bird laments its plunder'd nest,
Her mate shot, breathless, at her side;
A pair, she cries, thus fondly blest,
Shall sportive hands divide?
The lab'ring ox that ploughs the soil,
Must feel th' unpitying drover's rage;
A life of never-ceasing toil
Might kinder fate engage.
The patient ass, or nobler horse,
Who ne'er to Man their aid refuse;
Can tyrant Man, without remorse,
Unfeelingly abuse?
Nor these alone their claims assert;
Each guiltless creature we oppress
Appeals to ev'ry feeling heart
For pity and redress.
Is't not enough, vain mortal, say,
Their lives to feed thee myriads give?
But must thou, with unlenient sway,
Distress them whilst they live?
'Tis not for this the Lord of All
His creatures to thy pow'r subjects;
For thy revenge or sport to fall,
As Folly's choice directs.
Whence could that passion first arise,
Which from the mind in transport breaks?
The thoughtless child on birds or flies
His infant vengeance wreaks.
If no correcting care restrains,
Th' exulting tyrant makes no stand;
No creature in his pow'r he gains,
But feels his tort'ring hand.
Now fierce revenge his mind ensnares,
Each tender sentiment is lost;
His fellow-beings scarce he spares,
By whirls of fury tost.
Then o'er the young, unbiass'd race
Celestial Mercy's reign extend;
Left what in heedless sport takes place,
In serious crimes should end.
Let all thy kind compassion share,
Through Nature's universal frame;
Whatever breathes thy kindred air,
Or feels the vital flame.