The Serpent Knight, and Other Ballads

Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas Wise pamphlet by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org.
by GEORGE BORROW
London: printed for private circulation 1913
Signelil sits in her bower alone, Of her golden harp she waked the tone.
Beneath her mantle her harp she played, Then in came striding the worm so laid.
“Proud Signelil, if thou me wilt wed, I’ll give thee store of gold so red.”
“Forbid the heavenly God so great That I should become the Lindworm’s mate.”
“Since thee I may not for a wife acquire, Kiss me only and I’ll retire.”
The linen so white betwixt she placed, And the laidly worm she kissed in haste.
With his tail of serpent up strook he, From beneath her dress the blood ran free.
The Lindworm down from the chamber strode, Wringing her hands behind she trode.
And when she came out upon the stair Her seven bold brothers met her there.