Beyond it rose a castle fair, Y-built of marble stone: The battlements were gilt with gold, And glittered in the sun. Beneath the bridge, with strange device, A hundred bells were hung; That man, nor beast, might pass thereon, But straight their larum rung. This quickly found the youthful pair, Who boldly crossing o'er, The jangling sound bedeaft their ears, And rung from shore to shore. Quick at the sound the castle gates Unlock'd and opened wide, And straight a giant huge and grim Stalk'd forth with stately pride. Now yield you, caitiffs, to my will, He cried with hideous roar; Or else the wolves shall eat your flesh, And ravens drink your gore. Vain boaster, said the youthful knight, I scorn thy threats and thee: I trust to force thy brazen gates, And set thy captives free. Then putting spurs unto his steed, He aim'd a dreadful thrust; The spear against the giant glanc'd, And caus'd the blood to burst. Mad and outrageous with the pain, He whirl'd his mace of steel: The very wind of such a blow Had made the champion reel. It haply missed; and now the knight His glittering sword display'd, And riding round with whirlwind speed Oft made him feel the blade. As when a large and monstrous oak Unceasing axes hew: So fast around the giant's limbs The blows quick-darting flew. As when the boughs with hideous fall Some hapless woodman crush: With such a force the enormous foe Did on the champion rush. A fearful blow, alas! there came, Both horse and knight it took, And laid them senseless in the dust; So fatal was the stroke. Then smiling forth a hideous grin, The giant strides in haste, And, stooping, aims a second stroke: Now, caitiff, breathe thy last! But ere it fell, two thundering blows Upon his scull descend: From Ursine's knotty club they came, Who ran to save his friend. Down sank the giant gaping wide, And rolling his grim eyes: The hairy youth repeats his blows: He gasps, he groans, he dies. Quickly sir Valentine reviv'd, With Ursine's timely care: And now to search the castle walls The venturous youths repair. The blood and bones of murder'd knight They found where'er they came: At length within a lonely cell They saw a mournful dame. Her gentle eyes were dimm'd with tears; Her cheeks were pale with woe; And long sir Valentine besought Her doleful tale to know. Alas! young knight, she weeping said, Condole my wretched fate; A childless mother here you see; A wife without a mate. These twenty winters here forlorn I've drawn my hated breath; Sole witness of a monster's crimes, And wishing aye for death.