Now, let's see. When we left off last night, the hideous dragon had carried the maid to his cave by moonlight. He gnashed his teeth and breathed his fire, the earth trembled and quaked with fear. I said, Someone must save this sweet raven-haired maiden, though surely the cost will be dear. So we lads all drew lots, our insides tied in knots, and I won, and the rest disappeared. So I picked up my staff and I followed the trail of his smoke to the mouth of the cave. And I bade him come out, yea, forsooth, I did shout, Ye evil dragon, be gone, or behave. And then under my breath I uttered a charm said to make the worst fiend become kind. Knaves and knights of dire blights now diminish his sights, and it worked, and the dragon went blind. And he charged off the cliff howling mad, and he died, and the maiden accepted my ring. Then a son came along, who was brave, bold, and strong, and in thanks every night now I sing. Race you to the top of the morning, come sit on my shoulders and ride. Run and hide, I'll come and find you, climb hills to remind you. I love you, my boy, at my sight. Now another foul dragon's appeared, I must leave you, he's scorching our land with his breath. From his lair this one taunts me, he dares me, he haunts me, once again we must fight to the death. Would to God I could stay and instead slay your dragon, this beast who sits hunched on your back. Would to God I could wrench him away from your bed, or cut off or tear off his terrible head. Could breathe out my fire on him till he was dead, and beg him to spare you and take me instead. As it is, I must leave you in care of my brother, the wizard who lives on the hill. Who has promised his art will soon pierce through the heart of this dragon that's keeping you ill. And I know that your mother, God bless her, would want you to do as he says and grow strong. And you know that as soon as I can I'll return, so be brave, son, and know that I long to race you to the top of the morning. Come sit on my shoulders and ride, run and hide, I'll come and find you. Climb hills to remind you I love you, I love you. My boy at my side.