Like some wild torrent that the hills have loosed,

Death for its goal.—'Twas late; and none had yet

Risked that hard shot,—too desperate the risk

Beside the poor life and a little gold,—

When this young Kuno, with hot eyes, wherein

Hunt and impatience kindled reckless flame,

Cried, "Has the dew made wet each powder-pan?

Or have we left our marksmanship at home?

Here's for its heart! the Fiend direct my ball!"—

And fired into a covert packed with briers,