The Queer, the Quaint and the Quizzical

The Great Hero of the Bretons.

Reading edition

Merlin, the enchanter, is the great hero of the Bretons as he is of the Welsh, the same legends being common to both people. Among other lays respecting him is the following, which is of high antiquity:—

"Merlin! Merlin! whither bound With your black dog by your side?" [1] "I seek until the prize be found, Where the red egg loves to hide. "The red egg of the sea-snake's nest, [2] Where the ocean caves are seen, And the cress that grows the best, In the valley fresh and green. "I must find the golden herb, [3] And the oak's high bough must have, [4] Where no sound the trees disturb Near the fountain as they wave." "Merlin! Merlin! turn again— Leave the oak-branch where it grew; Seek no more the cress to gain, Nor the herb of gold pursue. "Nor the red egg of the snake, Where amid the foam it lies, In the cave where billows break: Leave these fearful mysteries. "Merlin, turn! to God alone Are such fatal secrets known!"

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · At the foot of Mont St. Michel extends a wide marsh. If the mountaineer sees in the dusk of the evening a tall man, thin and pale, followed Note 2 · The red egg of the sea-snake was a powerful talisman, whose virtue nothing could equal; it was to be worn around the neck.Note 3 · The golden herb is a medicinal plant. The peasants of Bretagne hold it in great esteem, and say that it shines at a distance like gold. If a Note 4 · The high oak bough is probably the mistletoe. The voice which warns Merlin in the poem may be intended for that of Saint Colombar, who is sa