[Northkeep] Verse on being Crown

[Hugh & Belinda Niewoehner]

I've received a few inquiries about that verse at the end of the post I
forwarded.

Here's the comments about where it came from:

> >I particularly like that piece in verse.  Do you know who wrote it?
>
>        Do you mean the verse lines about "What it is to be King"?  Most of the ideas
>        of what is said (though not how) is traditional for Calontir. They started as
>        a selection of the ideas and lines used in past Coronations to these I added
>        a number of lines from a few songs I felt explained things well (the Burden
>        of the Crown and Causes of rebellion come to mind quickly).  As much of our
>        coronation was in the verse style of the Song of Roland, Master Gerald of
>        Ipsley turned it all into verse.
>
>        Heres a few examples of the song lines:
>
>        The first line: "This crown, a circlet, the sign of our land" is a play on
>        the lines from "the Burden of the Crown: which says:
>          "This Crown of polished metal, is the symbol of our land,
>          Upholding all we cherish, the dreams for which we stand"
>
>        The lines: "He thinks first of his men, their beasts, their land. And last of
>        the pride that flows from sword hand "  comes from the song Causes of
>        Rebellion where it actually says:
>          "There's many a man in the lands of the East,
>          A few in the West and Middle ,
>          Who hold a Lord is last to the feast,
>          Thinks first of his men, their lands their beasts,
>          And then of his pride - a little."
>
>        The lines: "A child may play in a castle tower.  The king who does soon sees
>        the hour, The land he rules has lost all power, The glory once sweet is
>        spoiled and sour." also come from Causes of Rebellion which actually says:
>          "A Child may play in a castle tower,
>          But the Lord who does soon sees the hour,
>          He hasn't a land worth ruling"
>
>        The line: "By each of their subjects, kingdoms are known" Comes from one of
>        our AoA texts which used the lines: "By each of its subject a Kingdom is
>        known", and "By each of Our subjects Our kingdom is known" a few times.
>
>        Anyway, you get the idea I'm sure. :)
>
>        By the way, Lyriel also had lines telling her what it is to be Queen (But the
>        King ones are cooler.)  They were tailored to her as well of course.
>
>        The Queen must be cheerful in the coldest hall
>        She must be mirthful though her spirits fall
>        She is ever patient, though her interest palls
>        She answers promptly when the kingdom calls.
>        She is the sharpness in swords of the knights
>        She is the fire that makes axes bite.
>        She is the keenness in the cast of the spear
>        She is inspiration, making chivalry dear.
>
>        For artisans, servants and warriors bold
>        Queens give inspiration and their courses mold,
>        But Justice for the weak does your crown enfold,
>        Mercy for the innocent you must uphold.
>        Friends may come for judgement, their causes just and bold.
>        You must choose between them by the laws of old.
>        This may be the price of your crown of gold
>        You may lose a friendship you would rather hold.
>
>        In your people's interest you must always act
>        With both law and people, you have made a pact
>        The people know your worth as undoubted fact
>        They will cherish crowns more than an artifact
>        They will do more service than you would exact
>        As on their willing shoulders like a giant you ride
>        You will see the dangers from which you cannot hide.
>
>
>        See ya,
>
>        Fernando