The two moved on, like gods, hastening to outrun the growing light, and
to make their sport before high noon should steal its freshness from
their path. So, long after, but less large, less strong, less fleet, and
less beautiful, did the twin creations of pure intellect, Apollo and his
mate, pursue the boar in Tempe; while the herdsman who sat afar off,
upon some high rock, watching his wealth, veiled his face in wonder and
in fear.
Thus were three full leagues passed over, through the windings of the
wood; he, crushing the flowers beneath his feet, she, just bending their
drooping heads, when Erix descried a noble stag standing upon the bank
of a sweet pool, of narrow round, which, embosomed in the forest, slept
peaceful, and mirrored in its face the moving foliage and the blue sky
above. With head depressed, the deer had caught his own image in the
water, and stood threatening with mimic war his shadowy antagonist,
returning thrust for thrust. Poor beast! Now strain the nerve and put
forth thy utmost speed, for no shadows threaten at thy back, but death,
with feet swifter than the wind. With one loud shout the forest rang,
and then, clear as the notes of bugle or of flute, played to the
listening morn, burst forth the hunter’s song; for not yet had the gin
and pit, and stealth cowardly creeping upon its prey, debased the chase,
and dishonored with cheat and trick man’s highest sport; but room was
given and a chance for life, to the course before the flood.