Crown Poetry Fall AS LIII
From MiddleWiki
Bards of Sternfeld Praise Poetry Project
Crown Tournament, Fall AS LIII
10/20/2018
Introduction
MiddleWiki Notes
The complete PDF may be found on the Midrealm facebook group waiting link
To link to a specific poem
You may link to a specific poem by putting the following code on your middlewiki page:
[[Crown Poetry Fall AS LIII#Full Name as in the header|Name]]
(note: no spaces before or after the vertical bar)
For example, to link to the poem about Duke Edmund of Hertford, you would enter:
[[Crown Poetry Fall AS LIII#Duke Edmund of Hertford|Duke Edmund of Hertford]]
which would look like
Introduction To The Compilation
So....what’s all this then?...
Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, Lords, Ladies, Gentlefolk all – Greetings and fair tidings!
According to urban legend, with this THIRD chapter of the Crown Tourney Praise Poetry project, we have graduated to "Third time is Kingdom Law" and have been officially been doing this "Forever."
Once again, we have honored the Fighters in the Fall – suitable for an upcoming War King – and we'll return to the Consorts in the Spring. And I must say it has warmed my heart to no end, seeing how many of the Consorts were deeply touched by their poems. For our first set of recitations, many of the subjects (the chivalry-level fighters) were in The Meeting. For the second set, most of the inspirational ladies were right there! Several snuck in closer, so they could hear better. One of the best parts for us writers has been having this good reason to talk to the fighters about their consorts, their best qualities, and WHY they chose to strive for the crown. This has not been an easy year in the mundane world, and having this opportunity to focus on The Right and The GOOD has been a much-needed pocket of sunshine.
More writers have joined us, and ELEVEN fearless poets have shared their creations, including three first-time writers. I'm so delighted, and smiling so much, my face is going to crack! We've distributed another half-dozen copies of Compleat Anachronist #67, Ars Poetica Societatis (an AMAZING resource!) and continue to sing the praises of Elizabeth Morris and Terry Sheehan and their team.
One more salute - to our Technical Support, Lord Dai Gerdwr. He has taken the time to upload ALL the completed CTPPP poems to the Middle Wiki, greatly increasing our publication range, and ensuring perpetual file backups.
Thank you, dear readers, for giving us the gift of your time and interest. Once again, this is OUR gift, to the fighters, and the consorts, and the crown, and especially, to you.
In Service,
-- Maestra Lucia Elena Braganza
Duke Edmund of Hertford
Honoring Duchess Kateryn Bronwyn of Gloucester
By Lady Brigitta Rosa von Metten
Striding strong and proud before all,
For bonnie Kateryn he does fight.
Brave Edmund of Hertford stands tall
In shining armor of black and white.
An honest, upright man is he
Who greets the sun, coffee in hand.
Makes brilliant Kateryn smile sweetly;
In her glory he proudly stands.
Lending encouragement and strength;
Generous with both time and skills.
Good Edmund serves all at great length.
The Dragon’s heart with pride he fills.
Iambic Quattro, alternate rhyme scheme abab, cdcd, efef
Sarjeant Albrecht von Strasbourg
Honoring Master Katarina Peregrine
By Lady Meadhbh Ramsay
See now the silent soldier who comes before you,
Sarjeant Albrecht von Strausborg, steadfast and strong.
His lessons learned at his king father’s side,
Constant and keen in combat, clever and kind in peace.
Formidable upon the field, his feet planted firm –
Foes know well his mettle, in melee immovable.
High honors he wishes for his consort Katerina,
Her quality and caliber an inspiration to all.
Patroness and practitioner of Arts,
Warm of heart and hospitality, she unfaltering serves.
Hail to the worthy! Hail to the mighty!
Hail to the Midrealm! HOOBAH!
German alliterative verse
Sir Balthasar Thiadbold
Honoring Mualim Asalah Al-Hina
By Lady Líadan Liathán
Sir Balthasar at the Bridge
See ye there the enemy amassing on the field?
Either side be mighty, and neither side do yield.
See ye there our foemen encamped upon the ridge?
We of equal numbers, and between us - one small bridge.
Hear our Eastern warlords order units to the fore?
“Attack the bridge and take the bridge, or we do lose the war!”
And see that giant shift his weight, cruel Death’s own avatar?
There stands the German knight, Sir Balthasar.
See each soldier take a turn advancing to the planks;
Fighter after fighter darkly dance in ranks on ranks.
Watch them try Sir Balthasar. Watch them strike and fail.
Catch the screams while two or three he pitches to the rail.
“Foreward step! And foreward step!” We hear the captain’s call.
Over four and five and six are tossed from off the wall.
Each man tries but none shall pass the spider shield and spar
When wielded by the mighty Balthsar.
‘Tis said he bears a gentle soul beneath his armored frame.
He wooed and won a Persian rose; her honor fuels his fame.
‘Tis said he gifts his comrades with an almond cordial fine,
And never sips ‘til all have supped a sample of his wine.
As ‘Jason of the Argo’ his good humor he revealed,
And laughed, despite ‘High Seas’ exposing more than on the field.
His tunic wet, now none forget the black-clad bonny spar
Of the monster there before us – Balthasar.
And now our turn approaches as upon the bridge we stride.
I pray, my kinsman, we may meet upon the Other Side.
Another and another fall before this Theobold.
Hear you the gasps and gurgles from those in the moat below?
And now none stand between us. Now we step up to the line,
And now we hear the cry, “Lay on!” and strike for one last time.
And now we’re falling from the bridge. The journey be not far.
Another victory for Bathasar.
Captain Bjarg Kormaksson
Honoring al Shyka JahanAra bint al-Yehya Amat al-Hafeeza
By Lady Brigitta Rosa von Metten
Now comes bold, brave Bjarg Kormaksson
Defender of what is right and honorable
Instead of what is easy.
Champion of the needing,
He helps who he can
Barring all danger for friend or foe.
He tempers his virtues
To avoid all vice,
Leading with kindness and compassion.
Inspires beloved JahanAra
Through council, friendship, and love
As she inspires him to win the Crown.
Free style
Cedric Adolphus
Honoring Lady Honor von Atzinger
By Baroness Odile de Brienne
Oh! For a song, and lips enough to tell
How damsel wins a warrior: how he fell,
Then lay his broad bright sword before her feet,
A trophy to her beauty, as is meet:
So does fair Honor merit all her praise.
A votive lamp to house the sun ablaze:
Glad grace and kindness wrought in equal part,
For whom did Cedric gladly lose his heart.
A knight of such resolve and urgent prow
Gleaming in harness, mighty in renow,
Fierce and devoted: yet to win her praise
So did the knight redouble all his days
Holding her smile as worthier than gold.
Honor shows favor toward the brave and bold,
Her voice a silver thread of melody
Blade-bright through battle’s wild cacophony.
Such skill I lack, but beg thy lips to part;
Make such song music: make this poem art.
Duke Dag Thorgrimsson
Honoring Duchess AnneMarie De Garmeaulx
By Ursula Mortimer
Crown Parade Boast for Dag Thorgrimsson
First line is intro/attention getter, not in same meter as the rest
Now comes Dag, son of Thorgrim!
Duke of the Dragon, famed for his daring,
Wolf’s-head wearer, great weapon-wielder,
Comes to contend for the Midrealm Crown.
The well-clothed scion of the seven sovereigns,
Long line of kings who lived for this land,
Follows his fathers to the place of fame.
Gauntlets outreached to grasp prince’s glory,
He rises to shed his red blood for the realm.
Sternly now he rides the sword-storm,
Fearlessly faces the noble foe.
AnneMarie inspires him, gracious and elegant.
Give honor this day to Dag’s dreadful might!
Anglo Saxon alliterative verse
Sir Dyderich Wolfhart
Honoring THL Odette d’Amboise
By Baron Breddylwynn ap Taliesin
Wolfhart!
Oh, Heart of the Wolf.
In you beats the Strength of Kings.
Follow them,
Lead them.
Oh, Heart of the Wolf,
In dignity you stand,
Not proud nor foolish,
But the bearing of Kings,
The bearing of the Wolf.
Oh, Heart of the Wolf,
Leader of the Midrealm,
Protector of the Midrealm,
Guide of the Midrealm,
This is your family.
Sir Gebhard Rauten
Honoring Master Azriel le Fay
By Baron Breddylwynn ap Taliesin
Route renderer
Path finder
Wisdom wielder
Lead the way!
Through the mountains
That confront us
Over turbulent seas
Towards the Rising
Light of the Midrealm.
You have embraced the Dragon.
Sir Gregoire de Lyon
Honoring by Mistress Giovanna Adamari
By Lord Dai Gerdwr
Ci commence le lai de Grigoire de Lyon
Sir Gregoire from his lands has come
Armed with longsword and trillium,
Seeking the dragon’s noble crown
To place upon Giovanna’s brow.
He marches not with might alone
But bears well duty to the throne -
By strength commands the battlefield,
By honor maintains virtue’s shield.
And when with chivalry ‘tis done
It matters not who’s lost or won,
For graceful court is opened wide
With comrades and good ale inside.
Lai Lyrique ca. 14th century
Sir Iri Lutrsson
Honoring Lady Heither Iriswif
By Maestra Lucia Elena Braganza
Comes to the list / Lutr's son Iri
Descended of Bonar / best begot of Amaranth
Sword-reddener / squire to none
Commander of armies / South Oaken follows
Deemed by brothers / Stafndrengr
Njord's prowman / never the hindmost
Dragonship sails / swan-road to battle
First to claim fen-teeth / forward Iri
Valor growing / goes to Crown field
Fjord-flame of Cariadioc / could he win
(Stafndrengr is pronounced STAHF-en-DREHN-guhr)
Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse
Kennings Sword-reddener = warrior
Swan-road = sea
Fen-teeth = rocks, rocky shore
Fjord-flame = gold
Fjord-flame of Cariadoc = Midrealm crown
Sir Ixtilixichitl de los Indios
Honoring Lady Norelle of Scolairi
By Lady Tualaith of Sternfeld
From deep in Aztec jungle comes,
With warning beat of savage drums,
A man who don the jaguar pelt
And once before the dragon knelt.
To claim for maiden Midrealm throne,
He risks his life, his blood, his bone.
His prowess sheds its cultured leash.
Be wary all you goes of Ix.
Although with honor proudly fights
This paragon of Midrealm knights,
His sword cleaves rivals clean in two
To boldly win that crown his due.
Rhyming couplets
Sir Kjartan Eikbrandrson
Honoring Viscountess Ísgerðr Gulkárr
By Baroness Odile de Brienne
Ravens circle: shields crash,
The thunder of battle roars ever louder.
Oak-tall, unshaken, firm in the fray,
Kjartan carries his axe and his sword
Comes bringing his bright blade and bids you make welcome.
A woman of worth he sets wisely before you:
Isgerdr, eye-bright, both brave and beloved.
Working, watching: a woman rare and to be respected,
Soon shall he sunder swords to set crown on her brow.
Steadfast and stalwart, prepared for the parley,
A red sun rises and Kjartan is readied.
Earl Lutr Ulfskald
Honoring Countess Tessa of Wight
By Lord Dai Gerdwr
Lutr, once thron'd, twice crown'd, love doth make thy pace push.
Long thy years of battle, strong thy arm and shoulder!
Call thy consort to thee, counting seasons hundred
Cross'd since hearts departed were join'd in bond unrent.
Jarl of southern northlands ride west from hearth seeking
Sovereign right for Tessa, light thou hold'st most dearly.
Foe cleaver in thy fist, last drop fee expected,
Fighting mighty prowess looks to climb the fortress.
Reign ripe for the claiming, rise to meet all combats,
Reckon'd first in war art, yet second to thy Queen.
Lausavisa
The Honorable Captain Magrat Catte
Honoring Duke Palymar of the Two Baronies
By Lady Líadan Liathán
Though small of stature, foes would be fair-warned
She is far more than just a pretty face.
Be sure that underneath her coif bides grace,
But also Titian fighter, skills well-honed.
Little last who Magrat underestimate.
She slays with both a smile and a pike,
Is deadly with the wisecrack, sword and spike,
Fierce, witty Wonder Woman, Hello Catte.
This poem is written in the style of Reverse Golden Spade. The first word of each line makes up an entire line pertinent to the theme. In this case, ‘though she be but little, she is fierce’, is from Act 3, Scene ii of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
Sir Midair MacCormaic
Honoring Mistress Alina of Foxwood
By Baroness Lisabetta of Sternfeld
Jester once, just jingle
Jolly bell, glory tell.
Blood drops nourish brood small
Babes live, service-giver.
Injured, risen, reborn
Relieved, belt white achieved.
Red rondels three revolve
Right dragon, proud knight stands.
Fleet-foot Alina sweet
Always faithful, fox praise.
King-checker son, kidding,
Kisses, spring-hands flinging.
Dance-swayed minstrel maiden
Music's daughter musing.
Now fights, Crown to nail down.
Name this man, his fame sound.
Baron Niall Milscothach
Honoring Lady Michaela Botticelli
By Maestra Lucia Elena Braganza
"A life of Strength and Honor", Forgan said.
Inspired, Niall started honing skills.
Through ale and song and bladework his steps led,
Proud squire dedicated to his drills.
As honor led to honor, laud to laud,
To strengthen arm AND heart, never forget.
Hard work and fealty at home and abroad,
So chosen Roaring Wastes' first coronet.
His charming lady serves with equal cheer,
A masterpiece of grace and goodness she!
Rapier fighter, teacher, volunteer,
Niall treasures Michaela Botticelli.
Now Darkyard's fellowship gives his arm aid
To win fair Midrealm Crown for his fair maid.
Sir Nicholas of Wicklow
Honoring Dame Soffya von Kulp
By Lady Líadan Liathán
“We go!” comes the battle-cry.
Nico nods, takes up his sword
And his shield. Duty lies
On the field for land and lord.
Wicklow bred this modest son,
Honor-bound, to face its foes.
Step and stride, quick-march and run
Into danger. Nico goes.
“Mind the drumbeat! Dragon calls!.
Mind the Dream and make it so!
There be glory full for all!”
Nico nods and says, “We go.”
Written in the Irish poetic style Ae Freislighe, this poem is constructed of quatrain stanzas of 7-syllable lines. Lines 1 and 3 have triple rhymes; lines 2 and 4 have double rhymes. The poem (not the stanza) ends in dunadh, with the same first syllable/word or line that it began with.
Count Nikolai Gregorovich Petrov
Honoring Countess Serena Kimbalwyke
By Lady Caristonia Ainslie
Nikolai Petrov for Serena won bling
Middle Kingdom knight, Ninety second king
Heart, integrity, victory her brought her
Honest, unicorn, Father, pair of daughters
Unpretentious count, stands resolute, thwarts fear
Won AS Fifty, cleanest bout, with short spear
Thumbs up family, gifts to children given
House Strakoza Tsar, inspiration thriven
Bottle opener, twenty-five-year tally
Martial excellence, Pennsic War Point rally
Turns a fine Rus calf, fourteenth century lord
Nikolai Petrov
Information about the poem
Style: Virsi
Meter: Hendecasyllable
Pattern: Phalaecian
History: Virsi is an Old East Slavic poetry form. It was first seen in about the 6th century and became highly formalized by the 15th century. This poetry style was highly influenced, as was much of the Kievan Rus and Polish society by the late Greek and Latin writers.
The Honorable Captain Timothy the Just
Honoring Her Ladyship Elizabetha Foscari
By Baron Breddelwynn ap Taliesin
Praise Be to the Just.
Praise Be to the Scales of
Balance he carries.
Praise Be for the Joy of Life
In his heart
And the skills in his hands.
Praise Be for the
Service done for
King, Queen, and Midrealm.
Praise for his skill at Arms
And the Crown he seeks.
Praise Be for the Love of his
Lady that she may
Share the Midrealm throne with him.
Master Tonis von Driele
Honoring Lady Anne Mulligan
By Lady Brigitta Rosa von Metten
With voice of sweet tenor or rumbling bass,
Magnetic Tonis von Driele takes the stage.
Both songs of love and war does he showcase;
His audience he can always engage.
Though peaceful Tonis brings his sword to fight,
His honor – himself – he will never yield.
Sweet Anne remains ever his guiding light
Each time he boldly, bravely takes the field.
A loving father, husband, Laurel, friend,
Opening heart and home to those in need.
With kindness does he gladly lend
Great wisdom to those who would lead.
A Dragon’s love this sunny son would know,
If to his Anne the Crown he should bestow.
Sonnet in iambic pentameter, rhyme scheme abab, cdcd, efef, gg
Sir Ustad Hasan al Hajjii
Honoring Lady Rowen Hen Enaid
By Baroness Lisabetta of Sternfeld
Dawn hastens as I stare into night's fire.
Wind rustles, final embers do expire.
Growing light brightens, my lonely heart thaws.
Respite from harsh dreams do I require.
Swift-sure, I mount my camel seeking more,
To find the one whose deeds these words inspire.
I seek him whose hospitality known,
Brave Ev Korku to reach it I aspire.
I reminisce, his actions I recall,
Legendary his story entire.
Helm and body with greenery adorned;
Green Knight sent venans to fate most dire.
His virtues shone amongst deadliest sins;
Lust conquered all, enflaming desire.
I share the words his mighty son declared:
He never gives up, father I admire.
Now see Ustad, eyes flashing, spirit bold,
Crown of gold his lady to attire.
My inspiration before me proud stands
At day's battles ended, liege lord, my sire.
Sir Wigthegn the Younger
Honoring Lady Neassa O'Cathasaigh
By Lord Dai Gerdwr
Student of sword, through sweat self-raising,
Wigthegn Unweathered, of warbands well known,
Takes a high target. Though tales he has told
Of years banding with brothers to battle the foe
All heedless of honors, now forth hard he hastens
His steps to the stronghold, striding to combat
The fame fight to finish. Facing the finest,
Lone in the list 'til the last is defeated.
Then, running with rose rivers, returns to his red-haired
Warrior woman - who welcomes her prize.
Anglo-saxon alliterative verse
Master Zygmunt Nadratowski
Honoring Baroness Maddie McRae
By Maestra Lucia Elena Braganza
Stouthearted Hassar Pan Zygmunt enters!
Stunning Slavic panoply.
Clad in honor, Wisdom, study - tempering warrior's prowess.
Balance in all things.
Loyal to his lady, displays her colors
Lends sweet Maddie strength whenever needed
Soul of kindness, dignity, poise - though sometimes
Goofiness lightens
Archer, herald, tournament salamander,
Marshall, teacher, spark of the Prima Spada
Faithful Cynnabarian travels onward
Cibus Docebit
Now he seeks to honor his queenly Maddie Claude - his hat - would willingly yield his high seat
Fur and feathers fairly displaced by kingship Mediterranae
Cibus Docebit pronounced SEE-bus doh-SEE-bit, meaning "will teach for food"
Mediterranae pronounced MEH-di-terr-AH-nay
