Deer in Autumn by Ruth Collie

If you would see great beauty, watch the deer, that look their / loveliest when Autumn's here against a background of the deep-toned / year. The distance shows a veil of misty blue, the ferns are / richly-clad, a russet hue, the deer seem garbed in velvet soft and / new. They are fastidious creatures when they eat, turning from / verdure trampled by man's feet and seeking pastures that look fresh / and sweet. They are, indeed, embodiment of grace, moving with / dignity from place to place, impossible to think a deer's heart base! / How eloquent and friendly are their eyes. They couch upon a bed of / ferns and look so wise. Hark! What was that? The falling leaves' / faint sighs. So faint a sound and yet the shy beasts hear, rise to / their feet in agony of fear -- to think that man would ever hurt a deer!