But in this night a sure informer came:
“They were assembled who attack’d his game; 500
Who more than once had through the park made way,
And slain the dappled breed, or vow’d to slay;”
The trembling spy had heard the solemn vow,
And need and vengeance both inspired them now.
The keeper early had retired to rest
For brief repose;—sad thoughts his mind possess’d;
In his short sleep he started from his bed,
And ask’d in fancy’s terror “Is he dead?”