A hermit in the poop the bark did guide With snowy beard descending to mid breast;
Who when from far the Paladin be spied, Him to ascend his ready pinnace prest.
"My son, unless thou loathest life, (he cried)
And wouldst that Death to-day thy course arrest, Content thee in my bark to cross the water;
For yonder path conducts thee straight to slaughter.