XXI.

He was a creature of the Alpine sky, A being whose bright spirit had been fed Midst the crown’d heights of joy and liberty, And thoughts of power. He knew each path which led To the rock’s treasure caves, whose crystal shed Soft light o’er secret fountains. At the tone Of his loud horn the Lammer-Geyer[233] had spread A startled wing--for oft that peal had blown Where the free cataract’s voice was wont to sound alone.