[Bards] Anthem of the Arms

[Scott Barrett]

As per the Baron of Namron's request,
Here is "Anthem of the Arms".

As His Excellency stated, life prevents my attending Gulf War. A new 
job with excellent pay has drawbacks, i.e., no vacation time for 
awhile. That said, I am humbled at the enthusiasm that audiences have 
shown for this piece and I am honored you wish to take it with you 
abroad. It was my intention to give this piece to the Kingdom. I wanted 
them to have a song everyone could sing, not just a specific performer.
This will be published in the March Black Star, but I gladly share it 
in advance with you, my fellow performers, here on the mailing list. 
Copies with binder holes will also be given to anyone who wants one at 
Kingdom A&S.

"Anthem of the Arms"
A Tribute to Ansteorra
By Finnacan Dub
2007
(To the tune of "The March of the Three Kings / March of the Kings", 
originally called "La Marche Des Rois Mages", a 13th century Provencal 
carol.)

One strange night
I spied a wondrous sight,
The sun of Atenveldt was setting, as the day died,
O'er it flew, like an arrow true,
a comet darker than the evening sky.

Below grew thistles with ebon blooms,
fenced above by sweet Iris's celestial hues,
the crane stood by with a watchful eye,
as eagles heralded the lion prides.

More I say,
the comet stopped and stayed.
A star now, unmoving, and black as widow's bands
down it stared, upon a kingdom fair,
a wealthy, glorious, enduring land.

Here grew thistles with ebon blooms,
fenced above by sweet Iris's celestial hues,
the crane stood by with a watchful eye,
as eagles heralded the lion prides.

Stand and see
the arms of victory
on silken banners, how they shine as they go by!
Woe to they
who ever dare to stay
the sun, the black star and the golden sky.

(This piece can be accompanied by a four-beat chant of "An-ste-or-ra, 
An-ste-or-ra..." if you so choose.)

~Finnacan