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Basilisk
In ancient mythology a beast was well known,
It's venom so deadly, it could shatter stone.
Mere rumor of its presence led to dread and fright;
It's evil so vast it could slay on sight.
Hatched from a rooster's egg, incubated by a toad;
In dark and dismal places it made its abode.
Lord of the Snakes it was sometimes called;
Any who saw it were surely appalled.
Rooster's head and reptilian in form,
Hatched during wildest of thunderstorms.
Its venom the most potent ever to be known,
Dissolving flesh, metal, and even stone.
Despite its destructive power, it could be slain;
Though few were its weaknesses, and none its bane.
A rooster's crow could weaken it, and a weasel its foe;
Yet a weasel hurled into its den was sure to meet woe.
One tale was often told of its terrible, venomous might;
Stabbed by a spear, its venom traveled upwards, killing both mount and knight.
A mirror reflecting the hideous visage might do the trick;
Yet to survive, one must be both cunning and quick.
Due to its unique origin, no female basilisk ever did live;
And for that small blessing, we should all thanks give.
Basilisk
