The young man went, by Spidala struck deep, But by Aizkrauklis with "Rest well," consoled. She led the youth across the castle's keep, Into a jewelled bedroom hung with gold. "This night in godlike comfort you will sleep," She smiling said, "Bearslayer, hero bold." Bearslayer gazed with wonder at the sight: As soft and fine as drifted snow the bed, With purple covers decked, and sheets of white, And trimmed all round with ribbons of blood red. Sweet-smelling breezes wafted through the night, And like enchantments circled round his head. He stared at Spidala's lush beauty rare, Bewitching charms that drew his yearning praise. Forgetting straight all caution's wisdom there, The young man dared his arms to her to raise. At once a shadow dark flew through the air, And Spidala straight vanished from his gaze.- The midnight sky a host of stars had brought; From heaven shone the moonlight's ghostly glow, That in the valley bars of silver wrought. Within his room the youth, with spirit low, Threw back his shutter, gazed out on the court, And heavy air breathed sadly, deep and slow. Once more it seemed to him that in the air Dark shadows high across the moon flew hence. Perhaps foul witches from the Devil's lair To blackest work flew out, he knew not whence. At once Bearslayer firm resolved to dare, And seek how Spidala had gone from thence. Spidala is revealed as a witch Next morning soon the youth made this request: It pleased him in the castle there so well, He wished to stay a few short days as guest, There in his neighbour's pleasant halls to dwell. Aizkrauklis straight agreed that he should rest, With pleasure felt his heart begin to swell. As night there deepened, Spidala soon said: "Our guest the castle's passages now knows, And when he wants can go alone to bed." She left the room and wished them sweet repose! To follow her Bearslayer then was led, And full of purpose from the table rose. But afterwards he crept back down below, Outside within the courtyard dark to wait, From whence his watching eyes could clearly show Who through the doorway passed in darkness late.- At midnight hour the portal opened slow, And Spidala came out with silent gait. Her body clad in clothing deepest black; Her feet with golden shoes were firmly bound; Her hair hung loosened free around her back; Her eyebrows arched, her gaze was to the ground. Her eyes he saw, where burning did not lack, Her hand gripped tight a magic staff around. A twisted log lay at the courtyard's rim, And Spidala climbed up upon it high. She spoke a spell and three times struck the limb, Firm with her staff she smote its surface dry. And, answering the hissing witch's whim, At once the log rose up into the sky. Long stood Bearslayer at the courtyard's verge, For Spidala's return he looked in vain; To seek her out he felt a mighty urge, To see the Devil with the witch in train. But such a task beyond his strength would surge, And so he went back to his room again.