The Lambton Worm (Part Two)

So it was that at the younger Lambton’s behest that she did acquiesce to his bequest
And tell to him the only plan that would make that worm so mortal as was man
The day was bright and of early morn, so to the smith was Lambton drawn
“Hear me smith this is thy task, and shirk thee not of what I ask.
Take this suit of armour fine and make it bristle with knives like spines.
Make them sprout from front to back, on arms and legs yet not one elbow lack
Make them sharp of point and blade, so to slice that worm is be easily made”
The blacksmith to his work began, with flame and hammer his anvil rang
“Now listen father and listen well, I have a message of great import to tell.
A curse it comes with the knowledge given, so pay ye mind for you must listen”

Now all in place the day had come, the plan was made and all was known
When victory was his and the job was done, the family dog would then to him run
With sword still drawn the dog he’d kill, so then the bargain he would fulfill
At the river was that Lambton found, and so did choose his fighting ground
His place was shallow but also swift and the isle in centre was to him a gift
Standing there but all alone his mind did wander back to home
All was right for that worm to take, this knight in armour as now the bait

Then it came that giant worm, to kill that knight and do him harm
It saw him in that river stand, and came to knight with sword in hand
It wrapped itself around Lambton still, to crush his body and so to kill
But blades that stuck from armour fine, sliced into worm with blood the sign
The more it gripped and tighter got, the more blade sliced till bits fell off
Swift waters of the river Wear, ran with blood and then was clear
Now dead that beast lay at his feet, now was time that dog to meet

There was none to see at castle gate, for if espied they knew their fate
But his father saw from castle wall, his son approach and standing tall
“My son my son yes safe he be, to him I’ll go for I must see”
His father now through that castle gate did run, to hold and greet his only son
A blast from horn did young Lambton blow, this the signal to let the dog go
But too late that dog for he could not miss, his father coming his son to kiss
Then from behind there came that hound, with one swift blow it was on the ground
So since young Lambton did not dispatch, the first living thing his eye did catch
That curse has followed them down the years, and caused those Lambtons floods of tears


If you wish to read the story and get the words to the folk song you may wish to try this site. Although this is only one of many.

Herrington Heritage: The Lambton Worm