From that wild region where the crownless King Lay in concealment with his scanty train, Supporting life by water from the spring, 100 And such chance food as outlaws can obtain, Unto the few whom he esteems his friends A messenger he sends; And from their secret loyalty requires Shelter and daily bread,--the sum[58] of his desires. 105 While he the issue waits, at early morn Wandering by stealth abroad, he chanced to hear A startling outcry made by hound and horn, From which the tusky wild boar flies in fear;[59] And, scouring toward[60] him o'er the grassy plain, 110 Behold the hunter train! He bids his little company advance With seeming unconcern and steady countenance. The royal Elidure, who leads the chase, Hath checked his foaming courser:--can it be! 115 Methinks that I should recognise that face, Though much disguised by long adversity! He gazed rejoicing, and again he gazed, Confounded and amazed-- "It is the king, my brother!" and, by sound 120 Of his own voice confirmed, he leaps upon the ground. Long, strict, and tender was the embrace he gave, Feebly returned by daunted Artegal; Whose natural affection doubts enslave, And apprehensions dark and criminal. 125 Loth to restrain the moving interview, The attendant lords withdrew; And, while they stood upon the plain apart, Thus Elidure, by words, relieved his struggling heart. "By heavenly Powers conducted, we have met; 130 --O Brother! to my knowledge lost so long, But neither lost to love, nor to regret, Nor to my wishes lost;--forgive the wrong, (Such it may seem) if I thy crown have borne, Thy royal mantle worn: 135 I was their natural guardian; and 'tis just That now I should restore what hath been held in trust." A while the astonished Artegal stood mute, Then thus exclaimed: "To me, of titles shorn, And stripped of power! me, feeble, destitute, 140 To me a kingdom! spare the bitter scorn: If justice ruled the breast[61] of foreign kings, Then, on the wide-spread wings Of war, had I returned to claim my right; This will I here avow, not dreading thy despite." 145 "I do not blame thee," Elidure replied; "But, if my looks did with my words agree, I should at once be trusted, not defied, And thou from all disquietude be free. May the unsullied Goddess of the chase,[62][AH] 150 Who to this blessed place At this blest moment led me, if I speak With insincere intent, on me her vengeance wreak!