Fosse Way

Legend of Fosse Way Riding hard under a moonlight high not a leaf rustling and it troubles my mind In the distance there's music of the lyre and flute rippling over the moors Serenading the stars The voice of a maiden bleeds it's way through the thick darkness Singing an ole Bawdy Pub Song. My steed swift at a gallop hooves sound their click clack As we cross Halford Bridge No time to be wasted seeking comfort at the Inn History demands I deliver this message The dispatch I carry holds the future of England I must make Exeter Castle by dawn. No matter the risk or danger I encounter It is crucial that I press on Two Queens vying for the throne of England Not even God can decide which be the righteous one Protestant or Catholic not the reason for choice A Queen must have love for Mother England coursing through her blood Forrest fairies ring the bells on the Fox Glove The Oaks without expression and still A rare breeze slaps the sleeping grasses in the glades In the marsh toads croak complaint to night’s chill This road is dominion of Highwaymen and thieves Robbing those that choose this way to travel. By the will of God and the Bishop's blessing I will pass undetected by scoundrels and rabble Nourished only on bread and Brambleberries Traveling in the cover of night taking sleep by day All that I've seen are ghosts of Roman soldiers On this thoroughfare known as Fosse Way If by the hand of God or the Devil I meet with an untimely death And I am unable to tell tale of this ride Let not my story meet the same fate Say my name Nigel Foster be mentioned in yarns told in pubs and taverns . History will decide if I am a Patriot or Traitor As a result of my actions When the years pass into the future Don't let me be a lost memory of yesterday If by chance may I live on as one of the many legends The many legends of Fosse Way. Inspired by Alfred Noyes poem “The Highwayman" And in memory of my distant relative, Robert Devereux 2nd Earl of Essex. Judge Santiago Burdon ©2019