Brian the Hermit by it stood,

Barefooted, in his frock and coat.

. . . . . . . . . . .

’Twas all prepared;—and from the rock

A goat, the patriarch of the flock,

Before the kindling fire was laid,

And pierced by Roderick’s ready blade.

Patient the sickening victim eyed

The life-blood ebb in crimson tide

Down his clogged beard and shaggy limb,