Page:The Forest Sanctuary.pdf/165

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The stag sprung up from his mossy bed When he caught the piercing sounds, And the oak-boughs crash'd to his antler'd head As he flew from the viewless hounds; And the falcon soar'd from her craggy height, Away through the rushing night!

The banner shook on its ancient hold, And the pine in its desert-place, As the cloud and tempest onward roll'd   With the din of the trampling race; And the glens were fill'd with the laugh and shout, And the bugle, ringing out!

From the chieftain's hand the wine-cup fell, At the castle's festive board, And a sudden pause came o'er the swell Of the harp's triumphal chord; And the Minnesinger's* thrilling lay In the hall died fast away.