Down, down where the desperate Kaiser clings.

The crampons bound to his feet, he leaps

Like a chamois now; and again he creeps

Or twists, like a snake, o'er the fearful deeps.

"By his cross-bow, baldric, and cap's black curl,"

Quoth the Abbot below, "I know the churl!

'Tis the hunted outlaw Zyps of Zirl.

"Upon whose head, or dead or alive,

The Kaiser hath posted a price.—Saints shrive

The King!" quoth Wiltau. "Who may contrive