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And bounding and crashing boughs declare The stag and the hunter have enter'd there. On, on they went, till a greenwood screen Lay and his prey between: He has heard the creature sink on the ground, And the branches give way at his courser's bound.

The spent stag on the grass is laid; But over him is leant a maid, Her arms and fair hair glistening With the bright waters of the spring; And paused, and gazed, as seeing Were grown the sole sense of his being.

At first she heard him not, but bent Upon her pitying task intent;