Beyond it rose a castle fair,
Y-built of marble stone:
The battlements were gilt with gold,
And glittered in the sun.
Beneath the bridge, with strange device,
A hundred bells were hung;
That man, nor beast, might pass thereon,
But straight their larum rung.
This quickly found the youthful pair,
Who boldly crossing o'er,
The jangling sound bedeaft their ears,
And rung from shore to shore.
Quick at the sound the castle gates
Unlock'd and opened wide,
And straight a giant huge and grim
Stalk'd forth with stately pride.
Now yield you, caitiffs, to my will,
He cried with hideous roar;
Or else the wolves shall eat your flesh,
And ravens drink your gore.
Vain boaster, said the youthful knight,
I scorn thy threats and thee:
I trust to force thy brazen gates,
And set thy captives free.
Then putting spurs unto his steed,
He aim'd a dreadful thrust;
The spear against the giant glanc'd,
And caus'd the blood to burst.
Mad and outrageous with the pain,
He whirl'd his mace of steel:
The very wind of such a blow
Had made the champion reel.
It haply missed; and now the knight
His glittering sword display'd,
And riding round with whirlwind speed
Oft made him feel the blade.
As when a large and monstrous oak
Unceasing axes hew:
So fast around the giant's limbs
The blows quick-darting flew.