Three elves set out a-hunting, a dragon they would kill
who dwelt within a tower upon a barren hill.
There was bold Lady Jennifer, there was Lord Darrien fair,
and there was Lord Adimas, dark his heart and red his hair.
Now when they reached the tower, they found there was no gate,
nor any holes or windows to seal the dragon’s fate.
They could have burnt the tower down, but that was not the game:
They had not come to free the land, but for the gain of fame.
O I will kill the dragon, slay the beast all on my own.
So I will be a hero, and I will gain the crown.
Now if you kill the dragon, one day you’ll mount the throne -
but if you kill your very heart, you will be all alone.
Then right out of thin air three wingéd spirits did appear.
And one of them asked: »Darrien, what truly gives you fear?«
And one of them asked: »Jennifer, what is your weakest part?«
The third asked: »Lord Adimas, pray who dwells within your heart?«
»O I’m afraid of thunder«, Lord Darrien would admit.
»I can’t resist temptation«, and Jenny winced a bit.
Adimas watched them disappear, till no one was to see,
and then he smiled, and then he said: »My heart holds none but me.«
O I will kill the dragon, slay the beast all on my own.
So I will be a hero, and I will gain the crown.
Now if you kill the dragon, one day you’ll mount the throne -
but if you kill your very heart, you will be all alone.
He found himself within a room with mirrors all around.
No trace of his companions, no exit to be found.
Adimas would not hurry, but his rapier he drew:
This was a place to exercise with panoramic view …
Then right our off thin air, this bright blue spirit did appear
and said: »My Lord Adimas, I know what brings you here.
I am your heart, I know your soul, and evil lies within:
I know your very secrets, all your crimes and every sin.«
O I will kill the dragon, slay the beast all on my own.
So I will be a hero, and I will gain the crown.
Now if you kill the dragon, one day you’ll mount the throne -
but if you kill your very heart, you will be all alone.
Adimas plunged his sword around and stabbed him with a cry:
»So you know all my secrets? For knowing, you must die!«
His blade that once was reddish now turned to a bloodstained red:
The spirit was no longer - Adimas dropped down dead.
Three elves set out a-hunting, and two of them hunt still.
They never found the dragon, who lives as dragon will -
nor did they find Adimas, who pierced his own heart through:
He’d come to kill a dragon - it was worse a fiend he slew.
O I have killed the dragon, slew the beast all on my own:
Now tell me, who’s a hero, and who is all alone?
For if you’re only on a quest for gold and fame to win,
make sure you slay the beast without, and not the beast within.
