He ventured forth upon a lofty quest
To seek a beauty told in legends tale
A maiden whom no man could e'er behest
Tho' many tried, but all were doomed to fail

Whilst resting weary on a low-slung ledge
Aside a pool, its surface calm and clear
His eyes were drawn down to the water's edge
And in reflection, spied that she was near

He found himself held captive in her stare
Her hissing voice, her clawing fingertips
How wild the snake-like tendrils of her hair
Her sharpened fangs revealed by venomed lips

Too late, he turned to find his love had flown
And e'er since then, his heart was turned to stone