All wounded sore he lay upon my path,
His piteous moans his woeful need confessed;
I stooped to find his hurt with searching hand —
A poisoned arrow pierced his panting breast.

He had a friend who dwelt beside the way,
And, running swift, I called to him for aid:
" Your comrade lies all wounded to his death;
Some secret foe a havoc here has made. "

Deaf to my call, I saw him crouch and creep,
Screened in a laurel's shade, the leaves among
He moved to pry and peer and pry again —
Within his hand he held a bow unstrung.