For one of the Aethelmearc "AELive!" productions which helped keep the Kingdom together during the pandemic lockdowns, I was asked to perform a piece. I asked Maynard, then king and my nominal patron as one of two Sylvan bards, for a theme and he said "Uhh, Chivalry? The attributes of Chivalry maybe?"
... the King asked for a Chivalry song. Go figure. :D
So, I pondered and wound up writing this in a somewhat mundane folk ballad style in the key of C.
Swords will flash and armor gleam,
field alight with noble dreams,
to win the day for consort fair,
field alight with noble dreams,
to win the day for consort fair,
and brave the deeds that few would dare,
But when the sword is sheathed once more,
field is as it was before,
chivalry's brightest flame is fanned
by those deeds done with an open hand.
Lend your hand, to those who toil
lift the fallen, mend the land
the greatest tool against tyranny,
dwells within our open hand.
Armored knight, bold cavalier,
bow and axe and sword and spear,
when battle's met you will defend,
home and family, till the end.
Artisan with tools of trade,
by hand and skill is largess made,
musician's instrument is set,
to wake the heart that's sleeping yet.
Lend your hand, to those who toil
lift the fallen, mend the land
the greatest tool against tyranny,
dwells within our open hand.
At court enthroned or council meet,
wisdom shared forth keen and fleet,
the weight of crown on noble brows,
is not what brings the world to bow.
Bur graciousness of offered hand,
to lend advice or aid to stand,
our sovereigns inspire our deeds,
from their hand we take our lead.
Lend your hand, to those who toil
lift the fallen, mend the land
the greatest tool against tyranny,
dwells within our open hand.
Stand as guide for all to see,
the finest flower of chivalry,
look for those who are in need,
inspire all to finest deed.
Teach the child and the new
learn from them as they from you,
fear not to wield the scythe or blade,
nor lose sight of what chivalry is made,
Lend your hand, to those who toil
lift the fallen, mend the land
the greatest tool against tyrany,
dwells within our open...
Lend your hand, to those who toil
lift the fallen, mend the land
the greatest tool against tyranny,
dwells within our open hand.
