His rivals awed, and whose exalted power Was still rewarded with successful love. _480 But the base herd have learned the ways of men, Averse they fly, or with rebellious aim Chase him from thence: needless their impious deed, The huntsman knows him by a thousand marks, Black, and embossed; nor are his hounds deceived; Too well distinguish these, and never leave Their once devoted foe; familiar grows His scent, and strong their appetite to kill. Again he flies, and with redoubled speed Skims o'er the lawn; still the tenacious crew _490 Hang on the track, aloud demand their prey, And push him many a league. If haply then Too far escaped, and the gay courtly train Behind are cast, the huntsman's clanging whip Stops full their bold career; passive they stand, Unmoved, an humble, an obsequious crowd, As if by stern Medusa gazed to stones. So at their general's voice whole armies halt In full pursuit, and check their thirst of blood. Soon at the king's command, like hasty streams _500 Dammed up a while, they foam, and pour along With fresh-recruited might. The stag, who hoped His foes were lost, now once more hears astunned The dreadful din; he shivers every limb, He starts, he bounds; each bush presents a foe. Pressed by the fresh relay, no pause allowed, Breathless, and faint, he falters in his pace, And lifts his weary limbs with pain, that scarce Sustain their load! he pants, he sobs appalled; Drops down his heavy head to earth, beneath _510 His cumbrous beams oppressed. But if perchance Some prying eye surprise him; soon he rears Erect his towering front, bounds o'er the lawn With ill-dissembled vigour, to amuse The knowing forester; who inly smiles