English poem
When he the lion had smitten to death, with many blows
by Mary Pickering Nichols (1829–1915)
When he the lion had smitten to death, with many blows, He to the cave would take it, as homeward thence he goes. At all times had the maidens been by his care upholden, But now this food unwonted did raise their waning strength, and their hearts embolden.
Of fire they yet knew nothing, but wood they need not seek; From out a stone he quickly many sparks did strike. The food they long had wanted he soon was on them bestowing, And, since there was none to do it, themselves the flesh must cook on the coals now glowing.
More by Mary Pickering Nichols
- We now will speak no longer of the toil the maidens bore
- Well you know, Lord Herwic, our woe and plight forlorn
- What more befell young Hartmut we now forbear to say
- When he had reached his castle, and sat with the queen alone
- When now the fight was over, and all were free from care
- When the knightly minstrel three songs to the end had sung
- When the weaponed fighters by Hagen there were seen
- When they had heard this answer, back to the shore they went