["The Worm (at first neglected) grew till it was too large for
its habitation.... It became the terror of the country, and,
among other enormities, levied a daily contribution ... in
default of which it would devour both man and beast.... Young
LAMBTON was extremely shocked at witnessing the effects of
his youthful imprudence, and immediately undertook the
adventure."--_Legend of "The Lambton Worm," as related by
Surtees._]

Old stories tell how Hercules
At Lerna slew a "Dragon;"
And the "Lambton Worm" (told by SURTEES)
The Durham men still brag on.
How the "Laidly Worm" was made to squirm
Old legends tell (they _can't_ lie!);
And of MORE, of More-hall, when, "with nothing at all,"
He slew the Dragon of Wantley.

Our Dragon here is a bigger beast
Than LAMBTON slew, or MORE did;
On poor men's bodies he doth feast,
And ill-got gold long hoarded.
He hath iron claws, and from his jaws
Foul fumings are emitted.
The folks, his prey, who cross his way,
Are sorely to be pitied.

Have you not heard how the Trojan horse
Held seventy men inside him?
_This_ Dragon's bigger, and of such force