The Great Hero of the Bretons.
Merlin, the enchanter, is the great hero of the Bretons as he is of the Welsh, the same legends being common to both people. Among other lays respecting him is the following, which is of high antiquity:—
"Merlin! Merlin! whither bound
With your black dog by your side?" [1]
"I seek until the prize be found,
Where the red egg loves to hide.
"The red egg of the sea-snake's nest, [2]
Where the ocean caves are seen,
And the cress that grows the best,
In the valley fresh and green.
"I must find the golden herb, [3]
And the oak's high bough must have, [4]
Where no sound the trees disturb
Near the fountain as they wave."
"Merlin! Merlin! turn again—
Leave the oak-branch where it grew;
Seek no more the cress to gain,
Nor the herb of gold pursue.
"Nor the red egg of the snake,
Where amid the foam it lies,
In the cave where billows break:
Leave these fearful mysteries.
"Merlin, turn! to God alone
Are such fatal secrets known!"
[1] At the foot of Mont St. Michel extends a wide marsh. If the mountaineer sees in the dusk of the evening a tall man, thin and pale, followed by a black dog, whose steps are directed toward the marsh, he hurries home, shuts and locks the door of his cottage, and throws himself on his knees to pray, for he knows that the tempest is approaching. Soon after, the winds begin to howl, the thunder bursts forth in tremendous peals, and the mountain trembles to its base. It is the moment when Merlin, the enchanter, evokes the souls of the dead.
[2] The red egg of the sea-snake was a powerful talisman, whose virtue nothing could equal; it was to be worn around the neck.
[3] The golden herb is a medicinal plant. The peasants of Bretagne hold it in great esteem, and say that it shines at a distance like gold. If any one tread it under foot he falls asleep, and can understand the language of dogs, wolves and birds. This simple is supposed to be rarely met with, and only at daybreak. In order to gather it (a privilege only granted to the devout), it is necessary to be en chemise and with bare feet. It must be torn up, not cut. Another way is to go with naked feet, in a white robe, fasting, and, without using a knife, gather the herb by slipping the right hand under the left arm and letting it fall into a cloth, which can only be used once.
[4] The high oak bough is probably the mistletoe. The voice which warns Merlin in the poem may be intended for that of Saint Colombar, who is said to have converted Merlin.