THE SPECTRE STAG 



V 



What marvel hungry poachers. 

 When the Baron was a-bed, 



Were bent on stealing venison, 

 For very lack of bread ? 



VI 



But woe that wretch betided, 

 Who in the quest was found ; 



On the stag he would have slaughter'd 

 Was his naked body bound.' 



VII 



Borne, like Mazeppa, headlong. 

 From the panting quarry's back 



He saw the thirsty blood-hounds 

 Let loose upon his track. 



VIII 



The pack, their prey o'ertaken. 

 On the mangled victims feast ; 



And, mix'd in one red slaughter. 

 Flows the blood of man and beast. 



IX 



The Baron thus his pastime 



Pursued until he died ; 

 My tale shall tell how this befell 



On the eve of Easter-tide. 



' Note 30. 



23 



