Another Traveler's Tale for your entertainment... - poetheart 03/16/02
I've known a knight, or two, I 'ave-
And this is what I've found…
Too oft by foolish ritual,
Or, blind loyalty they're bound.
Ah, let them scoff be'ind me back,
Me blade is still for 'ire-
I'll serve the 'ighest bidder!
Adventure's me desire.Aye, I be Scot… A problem, that?
Then, prithee, draw thy blade…
On lesser grounds than these by far,
To rest, brave men I've layed!Ah, that's a lad! En garde! Ami-
Faith, that was close, my word!
Aye, ye've a wrist, 'tis plain to see
Tha' oft ye've used a sword.Ah, pleasant is the ring of steel,
Upon the Traveler's ear.
And better yet to face a foe…
Who shows no 'int of fear.
Aha! I pricked ye tha' time lad.
I learned tha' fro' a Master…
In old Seville's "salle de armes"-
It's oft spared fro' disaster.Oho, it's tit for tat ye play-
Aye, tha' time you pricked me…
No more time for fun an' games,
Let see wha' we sha' see.Ah, lad, ye press me 'ard, ye do!
Ye've no repect for years.
'Tis sad tonight yer widowed lass
Will weep those bitter tears.Ah, lad, ye showed such promise, too
Look wha' ye've gone an' done-
Ye fair misread my feint, me lad…
An' now yer course is run.The coup? Ah, yes, I'll grant ye grace-
Yer courage didna fail-
I'll lift a glass fer ye tonight-
So goes the Traveler's Tale.
by John R. Yaws