THE STAG. 91 



longing to be free ? Some witchery it is that holds us, 

 for we are mazedj and powerless, and transfixed by his 

 silent presence ! 



It certainly is a most strange influence that thus is 

 exercised ; never felt, at least in my own case, with 

 other animals. Even when in pursuit of the chamois, 

 however great the ardour and excitement might be, 

 however fluttering the hope and impatient the longing, 

 there was no tremor and palpitation : it was only in 

 the stag's presence that I was will-less, and that my limbs 

 refused to do their office. The creature has walked 

 forth from the shade of the closing boughs and stopped 

 and turned to gaze at me, but I was fascinated by 

 his approach, and incapable of even the smallest effort. 

 And looking full upon me he has moved past, and I 

 was still held by the oppressive sway ; and it was only 

 when he had quite withdrawn that I was freed and could 

 breathe again. 



An indifferent person, a dolt to whom fervour on such 

 matters is beyond his comprehensive power, will never 

 know this " fever." And though time, that great 

 allayer and calmer of passions, stills this excitement also, 

 there are some in whom it is never entirely subdued. 

 Even should you have wholly overcome it, and you 

 return to the wood after a long absence, the first time 

 you again behold the stag mil give evidence of his 

 power ; and the old thrall will again steal over you. 



