Written on the occasion of Pennsic XXXV, as a gift from Their Royal Majesties
Sven and Kolfinna requested—a song or poem honoring each of the monarchs
of the Knowne Worlde to present to their Royal Cousins as gifts.
Look now upon the mighty Compass Star
The King's strong sword, the Queen's most lovely face
And listen as I sing of lands so far
What can I say to tell you of this place?
The Griffin Throne that stands in honor there
This northern land of beauty and of grace
The fighters strong, the artisans so fair
These lakes and plains and woodlands, mighty all
Where glasses raised in song their voices share
The glory of the crowning trees in fall
Warm fires after sparkling winter sights
The heralds call us to the feasting hall
And after all the bright holiday lights
Dear friends to ring in spring's returning face
Idyllic summers long, with balmy nights
Linger here, your worries shall erase
The warriors and warlords know this land
Their swords of power, honor, love, and grace
Raised high for love, each household and warband
The picts, the spanish, or the mighty danes
For great or small, each lends a helping hand
Each man and woman of the northern plains
Those in the black hills of the farthest west
Or housed along the southern trading lanes
Or along the eastern seas, the honored guest--
No matter in which Northshield house you stay,
You'll find a friend so dear and welcome rest
In castle strong or along waters of a bay
There's much to love and cherish, this I say
Notes: The form of this piece is a Terza Rima. Terza rima is a three-line stanza using chain rhyme in the pattern a-b-a, b-c-b, c-d-c, d-e-d, typically ending with either a single line or couplet repeating the rhyme of the middle line of the final tercet (such as d-e-d, e or d-e-d, e-e).
There is no set rhythm for terza rima, but in English, iambic pentameters are generally preferred. Well-known poets who wrote in terza rima include Dante (1265-1321), Petrarch (1304-1374), Boccaccio (1313-1375), and (writing in English) Chaucer (1342-1400). As my persona is pre-1400 ("before dags come into fashion"), this would have been an influencial style of my day.)
It is my honor to present some of my love for the people of Northshield to You, after being your guest this summer at Warlords and Warriors. Most sincerely, Eilidh Swann, Caid
Please enjoy these works, and please obey copyright laws. These are put here as a courtesy to share with you, not for the opportunity to abuse hospitality. Thank you, everyone.