With utmost reach the boscage did he raze,

Or clipt the branches overhead that past;

And still the burning pyre at times would raise,

Or hurl the firebrand at the monster’s gaze.

LIV.

At length the groups a panic seemed to seize,

And soon he knew the terrifying cause;

For swelling slow beneath the arching trees,

Trilled the long whine the dreadful panther draws;

A sound that might the boldest bosom freeze;