X.
The moon's chaste orb shone clear and cold;
Each emerald blade in the grassy glade
Sparkled with gems of nature's mould;
The fitful shade by light clouds made
Checking the smile the moon sent down,
And lending the scene a transient frown,
Gave to the eye the only token
That night's mild charm might e'er be broken,
And looking aye tranquillity
Partook of mutability.
With wary glance and noiseless tread
A swart form from the tall trees glided,
A moment paused—as if in dread,
Then to the nearest watch-fire strided:
It was Muntookan: brief reply
Explained the seeming mystery.
"The fugitive Mytah "he had" traced
From brake to fen, from waste to waste."
"Did Mytah wander then alone?"
"Alone! No—there was with her one;—
Vengeance I vowed when on his path,
