Page:The Forest Sanctuary.pdf/165

The stag sprung up from his mossy bed
    When he caught the piercing sounds,
And the oak-boughs crash'd to his antler'd head
    As he flew from the viewless hounds;
And the falcon soar'd from her craggy height,
    Away through the rushing night!

The banner shook on its ancient hold,
    And the pine in its desert-place,
As the cloud and tempest onward roll'd
    With the din of the trampling race;
And the glens were fill'd with the laugh and shout,
    And the bugle, ringing out!

From the chieftain's hand the wine-cup fell,
    At the castle's festive board,
And a sudden pause came o'er the swell
    Of the harp's triumphal chord;
And the Minnesinger's*^[1] thrilling lay
    In the hall died fast away.