A Forest Story/Hedgehog, the Knight

by Josef Kožíšek

Layout 1

HEDGEHOG, THE KNIGHT.

 

Dingle! Dongle! Through the forest, What disturbs the silent air? All the swaying bluebells ringing, Wild alarm and terror bringing, Hear the news fly everywhere!   Dingle! Dongle! What has happened? Mouse and Rabbit whisper low, »Who invades the beasties’ clearing? Is it news we’ve all been fearing? Surely Mole or Frog will know!«

Smiling, sliding through the forest, Wicked beast from fangs to tail, Old King Serpent, nothing fearing, Fighting, killing, through the clearing, Laughs to hear the wee folk wail.   Near the swamp, among the lilies, Old Frog watching from a stump, Spies King Serpent crawling proudly, And to his two sons calls loudly, »Don’t get caught, but jump, lads! Spies King Serpent crawling proudly,Jump!«

 

Mole to Mouse in horror whispers, »Neighbor, hurry on your way. That sweet daughter you so cherish Surely in short time will perish. Old King Serpent seeks young prey.«   »Oh, my dearest darling household,« Cries the trembling Mouse in fright. »I’ll ask Hedgehog to defend us, And to Heaven recommend us. Hedgehog is a gallant knight.«

Down the chestnut grove she scampers, Though her heart begins to fail, For she thinks she hears the laughter Of King Serpent gliding after Trying hard to catch her tail.   On her knees before Knight Hedgehog, Bright tears rushing from her eyes, Mother Mouse begs most sincerely For the brood she loves so dearly, Threatened by this sad surprise.

»He has heartlessly devoured,« Cries poor Mouse, »all he could see, Gay Grasshopper; singing Cricket; Darning-needle in the thicket; Gold Bug in the lilac tree.«

»Someone must defend the clearing, Though he need not forfeit life. Otherwise, this time to-morrow Those not killed will die of sorrow, Mourning husband, children, wife!«

 

Old Knight Hedgehog, stern and hardened,
Softens at that earnest plea.
Stretches; stirs himself; scolds madly;
Speaks of Old King Serpent badly;
»I’ll protect you all!« cries he.

 

Then he buckles on his armor; Seizes lance and shining shield; Brandishes his good sword, shouting, »This base villain we’ll be routing. Hedgehog, die before you yield!«

No one yet has fought King Serpent. None but foolish beasts would try. Yet, with most unheard of daring, Seemingly for nothing caring, Hedgehog moves with watchful eye.

Rabbit Family passes softly, Moving secretly away, Babes and parents onward trundle, Each one with some treasured bundle. Mother leads the way.   From her nest the Lark is moving, Whispering, »Be still! Be still! Change your homes. Creep into hiding. Evil hours are betiding. Old King Serpent comes to kill.«   Sly old Serpent basks in sunshine, Dreaming pleasant dreams of Mouse. »All among the ferns I’ll meet her, Look into her eyes, and eat her, Then, her family in their house!«   As in his black soul he’s thinking, Suddenly he hears the Knight: »Put an end to wicked yearning. To your home there’s no returning. I would challenge you to fight.«

Flashing eyes of hate and anger, Serpent snaps and lifts his head. Hero Hedgehog, swift and clever, Parries, pounces, triumphs ever, Stains his sword blood red.   Clingle, clangle, through the forest, Ringing shield and lance resound. Mother Mouse beholds the duel, Wondering that one so cruel Still should hold his ground.   Clingle! Clangle! Who is victor? How they whirl and writhe and toss. Suddenly, Knight Hedgehog ceases, For King Serpent, slashed to pieces, Dies upon the moss.   Through the sunset marches Hedgehog, Carrying his foe by right; Hear the cheers the forest raises, Shouting songs of grateful praises, »Hail the Valiant Knight!«

 

Dingle! Dongle! Hear the bluebells,
Swaying melodies of peace.
Mother Mouse, her brood caressing,
Cries, »Long live our Forest Blessing!
Hedgehog’s fame shall never cease.«