The Hind
The hind is Dryden's metaphor for the Roman Catholic church. Newly converted, he devotes great pains to enumerating the values of his new sect. According to Dryden, the Catholic church has remained pure throughout the ages, compared to the rebellious and often politically motivated denominations in competitions with her. Since the church is often associated with the female, as a "her," the description of the hind takes on the added nuance of fragility. The hind survives in the wild because it is swift and observant. In the same way, Dryden sees Catholicism as a cautious faith, eager to run from danger because it is delicate.
The Panther
The Church of England, headed by Henry VIII, is the panther. This religious organization is seductive and predatory in Dryden's estimation. Considering the defiant origins of the church, he understands that the Church of England exists to challenge the status quo. She is searching for weakness, having long ago abandoned the idea of the observed meekness of the Catholic church.
The Bear
A large number of independents made their presence known in Dryden's England. They are represented by the bear -- a symbol of raw power and wildness. In this sense, the independents' refusal to organize within a body of authority larger than their own, individual churches fulfills a challenging role in church history. Dryden views these people's rebellion as a formidable force, unable to be tamed. They will do what they want because nobody can crush their resolve.
The Wolf
The Presbyterians are represented by the wolf. They are reformers, participating in a modified tradition. Think of them like progressives, always eager for the next change. As wolves hunt in packs, the Presbyterians find safety in number. The individuals of their congregations hold little power, but they participate in a collective of thinkers. Dryden, however, uses the image of one wolf, not several, thus invoking the concept of the outlier. In his esteem, the Presbyterians are this "lone wolf" who didn't fit in with the pack and thus must pursue their own ideas.
The Hare
The Quakers are the hare in Dryden's poem. Like bunnies, they are docile -- pacifists -- and multiply quickly. With their openness and acceptance, the Quakers spread their faith everywhere they go, placing few bars of entry upon their congregation.
The Ape
The Freethinkers are appropriately compared to an ape. They most closely resemble the human potential, even in their metaphorical form. The Freethinkers are individuals who regard logic and reason as higher than religious tradition and thus inform their faith by science and rhetoric. They deny the authority of any religious institution to establish rituals which have no provable value for the congregation. As an ape, this collective is portrayed in harmony with nature, yet of superior intelligence. They reason their way through problems, using tools to set themselves apart from the pack.
The Boar
Finally, the Anabaptists are represented by the boar. They are a charismatic faith, believing in the full expression of the supernatural within themselves and the physical world. By choosing to compare them to a boar, Dryden characterizes this faith by violence and strength. In their unity, they are strong, but outsiders are easily intimidated by the Anabaptists' admiration of spiritual manifestation. They pray for miracles with intensity and vigor, which can be upsetting to the outsider, but they are a tight-knit group.
