And his right-hand loose—how clever!

For this can stab up the stomach's soft,

While the left-hand grasps the pastern.

A rise on the elbow, and—now 's the time

Or never: this turn 's the last turn!

I shall dare to place myself by God

Who scanned—for he does—each feature

Of the face thrown up in appeal to him

By the agonizing creature.

Nay, I hear plain words: "Thy gift brings this!"