King Diderik and the Fight Between the Lion and Dragon and Other Ballads

From Bern rode forth King Diderik,

   A stately warrior form;

Engaged in fray he found in the way

   A lion and laidly worm.

They fought for a day, they fought for two,

   But ere the third was flown,

The worm outfought the beast, and brought

   To earth the lion down.

Then cried the lion in his need

   When he the warrior saw:

“O aid me quick, King Diderik,

   To ’scape the Dragon’s claw.

“O aid me quick, King Diderik,

   For the mighty God thou fearest;

A lion save for the lion brave,

   Which on thy shield thou bearest.

“Come to my rescue, thou noble King,

   Help, help me for thy name;

Upon thy targe I stand at large,

   Glittering like a flame.”

Long, long stood he, King Diderik,

   Deep musing thereupon;

At length he cried: “Whate’er betide

   I’ll help thee, noble one.”

It was Sir King Diderik,

   His good sword bare he made:

With courage fraught, the worm he fought,

   Till blood tinged all the blade.