Trusting to die in silence! He, the love

Of many hearts!—the fondly rear’d—the fair,

Gladdening all eyes to see! And fetter’d there

He stood beside his death-pyre, and the brand

Flamed up to light it in the chieftain’s hand.

He thought upon his God. Hush! hark! a cry

Breaks on the stern and dread solemnity—

A step hath pierced the ring! Who dares intrude

On the dark hunters in their vengeful mood?

A girl—a young slight girl—a fawn-like child