HOTHER (he comes down from the rocks and unbinds the skiers {2} from his
feet ere he steps forward on the scene).

Upon the oak's summit,
A squirrel at play
Deceives with a rustle
The hunter so gay;
He starts, and, low crouching,
His spear he grasps tight,
And, swelling up, boundeth
His hand with delight.

Now quick--be not daunted!
He's coming--take heed!
The bold bear, the old bear,
Doth hitherward speed.
Oh, sound the most pleasant
This ear ever knew!
He cometh--a bigger
This weapon ne'er slew.

Thou sovereign of forests!
Thou pride of thy race!
Oh, fortunate hunter--
Oh, glorious chase!
Now quick! be not daunted,
He comes--be prepared!
Where is he, the savage?
His bellow, who heard?