For seven miles east, and seven miles west, And seven miles north, and south, No blade of grass or corn could grow, So venomous was her mouth. 40
The milk of seven stately cows (It was costly her to keep) Was brought her daily, which she drank Before she went to sleep.
At this day may be seen the cave 45 Which held her folded up, And the stone trough, the very same Out of which she did sup.
Word went east, and word went west, And word is gone over the sea, 50 That a laidley worm in Spindleston-Heughs Would ruin the North Country.
Word went east, and word went west, And over the sea did go; The Child of Wynd got wit of it, 55 Which filled his heart with woe.
He called straight his merry men all, They thirty were and three: "I wish I were at Spindleston, This desperate worm to see. 60
"We have no time now here to waste, Hence quickly let us sail: My only sister Margaret, Something, I fear, doth ail."
They built a ship without delay, 65 With masts of the rown tree, With flutring sails of silk so fine, And set her on the sea.
They went on board; the wind with speed, Blew them along the deep; 70 At length they spied an huge square tower On a rock high and steep.
The sea was smooth, the weather clear; When they approached nigher, King Ida's castle they well knew, 75 And the banks of Bambroughshire.
The queen look'd out at her bower window, To see what she could see; There she espied a gallant ship Sailing upon the sea. 80
When she beheld the silken sails, Full glancing in the sun, To sink the ship she sent[L83] away Her witch wives every one.
The spells were vain; the hags returned 85 To the queen in sorrowful mood, Crying that witches have no power Where there is rown-tree wood.
Her last effort, she sent a boat, Which in the haven lay, 90 With armed men to board the ship, But they were driven away.
The worm lept out, the worm lept down, She plaited round the stone; And ay as the ship came to the land 95 She banged it off again.
The Child then ran out of her reach The ship on Budley-sand, And jumping into the shallow sea, Securely got to land. 100
And now he drew his berry-brown[L101] sword, And laid it on her head; And swore, if she did harm to him, That he would strike her dead.
"O quit thy sword, and bend thy bow, 105 And give me kisses three; For though I am a poisonous worm, No hurt I'll do to thee.