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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.