The crag, as doth a falcon reft of young.[fu]

The sound revived him, or appeared to wake

Some passion which a weakly gesture spake:330

He beckoned to the foremost, who drew nigh,

But, as they neared, he reared his weapon high—

His last ball had been aimed, but from his breast

He tore the topmost button from his vest,[408][fv]

Down the tube dashed it—levelled—fired, and smiled

As his foe fell; then, like a serpent, coiled

His wounded, weary form, to where the steep