It was far in the sameness of the wood;

I was running with joy on the Demon's trail, Though I knew what I hunted was no true god.

It was just as the light was beginning to fail That I suddenly heard-all I needed to hear: It has lasted me many and many a year.

The sound was behind me instead of before, A sleepy sound, but mocking half,

As of one who utterly couldn't care.

The Demon arose from his wallow to laugh,

Brushing the dirt from his eye as he went;

And well I knew what the Demon meant.

I shall not forget how his laugh rang out.

I felt as a fool to have been so caught, And checked my steps to make pretence

It was something among the leaves I sought (Though doubtful whether he stayed to see). Thereafter I sat me against a tree.