The Lindworm

Fair Signelille in her cheerful bower
With golden harp beguiled the hoar.

But while the strings her finger swept,
A lothely Lindworm towards her crept.

"Fair maiden, plight thy troth to me,
"And heaps of gold I'll give to thee."

"Protect me, God, from that sad fate,
"To be a writhing Lindworm's mate!"

"I'll will at least thou wilt not show,
"So kiss me once, and let me go."

So on his mouth a cloth she laid,
And kiss'd it, as e'en the Lindworm bade.

He ruffled up his horny scale,
And blood ran dripping down her veil.

As from her bower the Lindworm crept.
She followed, wrung her hands, and wept.

But when she reach'd the chamber stair.
Her brothers seven were standing there.

"Dear Signelille, how find we thee
"Keeping the Lindworm company?"

"I needs must follow the Lindworm's lead,
"Because my fate has so decreed."

Into the cave the monster crept,
She followed, wrung her hands, and wept

Then knelt on her bare knee and pray'd;
"O lend me, Mary's son, thine aid."

Soon as the cave he came within,
He cast aside the Lindworm skin:

Threw off the vermin's horny scale,
And stood a knight in coat of mail.

"I thank thee, sweetest Sidselille,
"I'll live and die to do thy will."

And now, reliev'd from all alarm.
She nightly sleeps on a Prince's arm.