Question

How does the poet react after hitting the snake?

Answer 1

The poet regrets hitting the snake and wishes for it to come back somehow, comparing the snake to a king who has been sent to exile.

 He undergoes self derision and guilt trying to justify his action of hitting it.

He had thought of the snake as venomous so had hit it, not knowing that all snakes are not poisonous.

Answer 2

He feels guilty for having tried to hurt the snake. He regrets his foolish act and wants to make amends for it