The Queen in Time of War
Did sally forth eternities ago
Still bravely did she wait, and kept she courage
For war is no small thing, as all men know.
And daily climbed she up the lonely tower
Hoping ‘gainst hope for sight of his return
Steadfast she stood, in calm and quiet diligence
Though for a sight of him her heart did burn.
And long the bustling streets throughout her city
She walked from end to end, ‘neath guarding wall
And showed sweet charity’s munificence
To her embattled people one and all.
No few suitors vied for her royal hand
So sure were they her lord had met his death.
Her quick reply: “Begone now from this land!
My lord and I are one, ‘til our last breath.”
Her purity was obvious to all
Each day did bring more temptation anew
And when they praised her virtue, she replied
“It is no more than any wife would do.”
Then one day climbed she up her tower bleak
And stumbled back she down as one struck blind
“The time for honesty is now,” she said
“We are nigh-on surrounded on all sides.”
“I see a thing within their camp,” she said
“That strikes fear in me for my chosen lord.
I see his armor and his standard there;
This war, it seems, is lost. Give me a sword.”