PART II.
I.
In a certain richly-wooded glen
Rode a prince with twelve of his best men,
Huntsmen of keen skill and bold repute
Fervid with the thrill of close pursuit.
See their quarry fly! – Down dell and dene,
Over river black, through forest green –
Here and there it dashed in frightened haste,
After which the zealous huntsmen chased:
For a rarer game they'd never spied,
Aye – a beast of wondrous, dappled hide –
Such a trophy as would bring renown
To their kingdom's royal crest and crown.
At the fore, their gallant prince did speed
Spurring on his mighty, champing steed
For he fain would catch the lovely beast
With such gorgeous fur all-over fleeced.
Now, at last, the object of their sport
In a lofty birch some refuge sought,
Clambering unto the highest parts
Well beyond the hunters' deadly arts.
But the prince would not his quest forsake:
"Bring an axe!" cried he, "Perchance we'll make
That fair creature leave her hidden perch
When we fell this tall and leafy birch."
But before the first blow struck its mark
Came a cry, "Ah, prince! – I beg thee, hark!
I am but a poor forsaken waif,
Cloaked in furs to keep me warm and safe!
I'm no more a creature than thou art
I've a human tongue and human heart –
Pray do not attack me, for indeed,
'Twere a shame to hurt a maid in need!"