V.
The two remaining Pilgrims are assaulted by a grievous temptation.
They heard the merry shouts that rose
From out the revellers' tent,
And many a sad thought stirred beneath
Their silence as they went.
Three hours from noon the sun had crept
Still farther down the sky,
When, as they journeyed, on the left
They heard a joyful cry.
And one ran up whose hand was full
Of coins of ruddy gold,—
“Come, follow me,” he cried, “and share
A mine of wealth untold.
For years I knew of treasures hid
Within a secret spot,
About a bow-shot off, and long,
But vainly, for them sought;
But Fortune hath, with tardy smile,
My toils at last repaid:
This gold is from a jar which I
Have shivered with my spade.
