Hunters Song

Read 'Hunters Song' by 'Sir Walter Scott' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Hunters Song by Sir Walter Scott

 The toils are pitched, and the stakes are set, 
Ever sing merrily, merrily; 
The bows they bend, and the knives they whet, 
Hunters live so cheerily. 

It was a stag, a stag of ten, 
Bearing its branches sturdily; 
He came silently down the glen, 
Ever sing hardily, hardily. 

It was there he met with a wounded doe, 
She was bleeding deathfully; 
She warned him of the toils below, 
O so faithfully, faithfully! 

He had an eye, and he could heed, 
Ever sing so warily, warily; 
He had a foot, and he could speed-- 
Hunters watch so narrowly.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace