“And thou by me shalt be stoutly met, So thou may’st vapour and thou may’st threat.

“If thou hast spear and nimble hand, I’ve claws and teeth at my command.”

They fought for a day, they fought for two, And so on the third they continu’d to do.

But when to night the fourth day drew, The bear to the earth the warrior threw.

“Thou wilt no victory gain from me, Thou haughty knight, thou may’st certain be.

“I late was the son of a powerful King, A Queen me into the world did bring.

p. 7“My Step-dame chang’d me, as you see, She’d ruin me to eternity.

p. 7

“About the wild forest I have run, To the boors much scathe and violence done.

“In winter and in summer’s tide In peace for me they could not bide.

“But they may thank my cruel Dame, For ’twas through her I a bear became.

“She plac’d around my neck so tight An iron band in wrath and spite.

“If thou this accursed band canst break Thy life from thee I will not take.”

“O I will help thee from thy thrall; Maria’s son who has power for all

“Will loosen from thee this stubborn band, Full able thereto is his right hand.”

O’er him the cross the knight did make, The iron burst from the bruin’s neck.

p. 8He became a youth as fair as day, His father’s realm he went to sway.

p. 8

A noble maid awaits the knight, The hand of the Monarch’s sister bright.

They liv’d together in honor and joy, To the cruel Stepdame’s great annoy.

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