A monstrous serpent him around
Entwineth more and more.
Behind, his flanks are interlaced
By two terrific rings;
Around his body, neck, and legs
The hideous monster clings.
“The hapless creature, stifled, scorched,
On his hind feet uprears,
Turns back his head, and with his teeth
The serpent’s throat he tears.
The monster gaping wide, his tongue—
His triple tongue—darts forth,
Fiery and pois’nous, rolls his eyes
And hisses, mad with wrath.
“But, ah! his snakelings, venomous brood,
To aid him swarm around;
The strife is all unequal: fly
While thou art safe and sound.”
“Nay, let the Franks by thousands come;
From death I do not flee.”