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[22]
And now they knew the route was safe, So they approached the spot
But, as they did, the Stranger seemed To be a distant dot;
A distant dot against the sky Which paled and disappeared :
The townsfolk clapped their hands in glee And cheered and cheered and cheered !
The serpent with both head and hood Stuck in his serpent-hole,
Lay stretched in penance undisturbed, Displaying self-control.
He did not move, he did not budge, One inch; he did not hiss :
The towns-folk wishpered each to each : "What miracle is this !
They found he could perform no more His deadly feats and tricks.
So they began to strike him with Unfeeling stones and sticks.
The serpent did not budge or stir, He sensed an inward power While sticks continued blow on blow. And stones began to shower.
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