This is the fourth part of an epic poem that itself is based on the first printed version of “The Skillful Huntsman,” published by the Grimm brothers in 1815. To get caught up, get a little back story about the form, as well as a brief primer on why I’m doing this, you can find links to previous versions below.
6
Still and tenebrous their travel south,
Along the lowlands and limestone shores
Of the River Raeve. They readied themselves
And forded the river, fast-flowing its riffles.
Soaking, they searched the shore for a draw
Which took them to a terrace magnificent:
Ethereal amid the thinning moonlight
Was a plush lawn, perfectly leveled,
Granting the finest flowers and greenery
The Huntsman since beheld. They hurried their way
Straight across and cased the steps
Of a marbled mansion, made obscure
By slender shadows. “And so, my friend,”
A woodsman whispered, “just walk along
Those stairs and stalk the stone perron,
And by the door your dogs should be.”
The Huntsman nodded, hastening nimbly,
Sharing each shelf with shadows impervious
Until the top he trod at last.
Two dreaming dogs he downed at once
With nature’s wiles, not the weapons
He stayed by his side. He slid to the edge
And whispered to the woodsmen: “Wait where you are.
I heard past the door: the house has dogs.
I’ll steal
Inside these manor halls
To learn what they reveal
And when at last I call,
We’ll all resume our deal.”
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