Chapter XXV

Firm in one hand his trusty bow he held,
And with the other to its glittering head
Drew the long shaft while full each muscle swell'd;
A twanging sound!--and on its errand sped
The messenger of vengeance:--warm and red
Gushed from a gaping wound the vital tide--
Wrenched was the granite from its ancient bed,
And pines were broken in their leafy pride,
When throes of mortal pain the monster's coil untied.