Sleeping Dragon

Said the crafty knight to the captive maid
"The dragon sleeps today
I crept by as he lay
I've got a planting field with ox and till
And a cottage upon the hill to fill
I'll take you to see them
If you'll grant me your freedom"

And she said, "What about the poems I sing
The harp I play, and the joy I bring"
He said, "Plenty of room for all you have
In the place I saved for my better half"

But the valiant knight lost his valiance
Traded it for the lesser talents
Of keeping the cottage ruly and neat
And keeping quiet the little feet
The harp stay hidden and poems unsung
Little was heard from the maid's tongue
And though fields were tilled and cottage filled
There was little joy upon the hill

Until one day the dragon returned
And with a stout breath the cottage he burned
Little feet were silenced, and knight was no more
The dragon stood tall, the maid before
"We meet again, Serpent-Beast"
The maid said without fear in the least
The dragon replied in a hearty bellow
"You're to be a delicious feast"
"Why would you wish to eat me," she cried
"I haven't the salt of a knight's pride
You once caught me to sing, my freedom it cost
I would sing for you now
But my voice is lost"

Said the dragon, "Your husband chose the fate I bring
Before were silenced the poems you sing
If true were the valor of your late betrothed
Alive would tomorrow see you both"
And with one gulp he swallowed her down
Complete with socks and nighting-gown
And with her last breath, said the maid
"I see how this game is played"