And hurried to the sound:
To what I had expected there
Far different scene I found."

"A man, of blood-bespotted vest,
I saw upon the earth;
And Malta's cross upon his breast,
Spoke him of noble birth."

"Misfortune long had press'd him sore;
I know not how he died;
He had been dead two days or more,
When I his corse descried."

"Him, as their prey, two vultures seek,
With ravenous rage abhorr'd;
But Hero guarded from their beak,
The visage of his lord!"

"When first my eyes on Hero glanc'd,
One vulture he had slain:
The second scar'd as I advanced,
Flew off in fearful pain."

"Enchanted with a guard so brave,
So faithful to the dead:
The wounded dog to soothe and save,
With beating heart I sped."

"He lick'd my hand, by me carest,