Two friends I have, and close akin are they. For both are free And wild and proud, full of the ecstasy Of life untrammeled; living, day by day, A law unto themselves; yet breaking none Of Nature's perfect code. And far afield, remote from man's abode, They roam the wilds together, two as one. Yet, one's a dog—a wisp of silky hair, Two sharp black eyes, A face alert, mysterious and wise, A shadowy tail, a body lithe and fair. And one's a man—of Nature's work the best, A heart of gold, A mind stored full of treasures new and old, Of men the greatest, strongest, tenderest. They love each other—these two friends of mine— Yet both agree In this—with that pure love that's half divine They both love me.