So supplication trims the claws

Of vengeance, its brute powers taming.

"You brought me to my senses," sighing,

The Head now said in accents lame.

"Your right hand proved beyond denying

That I have but myself to blame.

I promise you, I will obey you,

But mercy, mercy, knight, I pray you!

For grim has my plight been; I too

Was once a valiant knight like you,

By none on battlefield excelled

Or to lay dow^n my arms compelled.

And happy I-were't not for my

Young malformed brother's rivalry!

For Chernomor, that fount of hatred,

Alone my downfall perpetrated!

A bearded midget and a stain

Upon our family's good name,

For me who was both tall and straight

He felt a bitter jealousy,

But hid his all-consuming hate

Behind an outward courtesy.

Alas! I have been simple ever,

While he, this wretch of comic height,

Is diabolically clever

And full of viciousness and spite.

Besides-I quake as I confess this-

That fancy beard of his possessed is

Of magic powers: while whole it stays

That true embodiment of evil,

The dwarf, is safe from harm. With base

Intentions but in accents civil

To me one fateful day he said: