Alfred An Heroic Poem, in Twenty-Four Books. By Joseph Cottle: 4th ed. |
 |
|
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
 | Alfred |  |
262
Alfred proceeded, mid' a thicket near
He spied a wolf! His eyes were visible,
While yet his form was hid;—glaring with wrath!
And as the king uprais'd his sword, the beast
Disclosed his fang, and with a horrid snarl
Darted to meet his prey. The monarch stood
Unmoved! The wolf look'd up, yet fear'd to leap!
Foam issued from his jaw! a stream of light
From either orb appear'd, and every hair,
Bristling, declared his fury. Brief the pause!
He springs voracious. Alfred stretch'd his arm,
And, with a sudden aim, seized his huge throat,
And whilst the monster coil'd, gasping for breath,
Deep in his heart, plunged the impetuous sword.
| Alfred | |