| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
| |
| 1390. The Massasauga |
| | | By Hamlin Garland |
| |
| |
| A COLD coiled line of mottled lead, | |
| He lies where grazing cattle tread, | |
| And lifts a fanged and spiteful head. | |
| |
| His touch is deadly, and his eyes | |
| Are hot with hatred and surprise— | 5 |
| Death waits and watches where he lies! | |
| |
| His hate is turned toward everything! | |
| He is the undisputed king | |
| Of every path and woodland spring. | |
| |
| His naked fang is raised to smite | 10 |
| All passing things; light | |
| Is not swifter than his bite. | |
| |
| His touch is deadly, and his eyes | |
| Are hot with hatred and surprise— | |
| Death waits and watches where he lies! | 15 |
| |
|
|
|
