Isaiah Zerbst Poet Ballad

Notes About The Poem

http://www.scarletquince.com/pat.php?pat=BLA001 Link one.
http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Leighton Wickipedia with the same pictures and some info on the artist.

First painting is "The Accolade," the second "Godspeed!" Both by Edmund Blair Leighton.

Notes and Explanations, also some Medaeval Facts:

I also used "Godspeed!" for a little of my inspiration; it is in both links.

For this poem I used the meter 7.6.7.6. Lines one and three are Trochaic, and 2 and 4 are Iambic.

I have tried to depict some of the culture of the day, as I am very much into medaeval life and customs. One example is that of a squire being knighted by a person of import upon valiant deeds in battle.

Langely Tower is fictional; it could possibly exist, but I am not aware of one.
 
"I ween" means the same thing as "I imagine", or "I think".

I have a few references to The Legend of King Arthur; I imagine the time period would be some hundreds of years after. The theory is that after the dividing of Logris, there were sometimes many monarchs ruling what we now call England, which would explain why she did not make the history books. Legends and ballads are better anyway.

Gilbert is supposed to be the leader of Faith's army. The wars that are taking place are internal wars,  among the different monarchs and people groups they represent.

A favour was something that a young woman gave a knight to wear, sometimes jewelry or a sleeve. It was supposed to make the knight braver, because he would either bring honour or dishonour to the damsel.

With the ideology of courtly love, it was not uncommon for nearly every knight in the service of a queen to claim to love her. However, that a queen would marry a knight, or make the decision who to marry is rather unthinkable for the era. But that was a long time ago; I think I am justified in changing a little bit and giving Faith the happy ending.

The Accolade

Fighting mid the strong and bold,
His eye and blade were keen;
Marching like a thund'ring storm
On foes of Faith, his queen.

Now returned in victory
Upon his mighty bay,
Set he off to Langley Tow'r
Her summons to obey.

"John the Squire," the footman called,
And held the oaken door;
Faith, it seemed, had gleaming eyes
Like never once before.

"John! 'tis good to see thee hale,"
The queen exclaimed, and rose:
Tales have sped to Langley's gates
Of many broken bows."

"God has saved me whole and well,
By prayers, I ween, of thee;
Tell me please, my lady Queen
What service I may be."

Saying thus, the squire bowed
And doffed his burnished helm;
Struck in awe by Faith, his love,
The queen of Arthur's realm.

"Gilbert saith," rehearsed the queen,
"That deeds of thee are done
Greater yet than those of Wat 
Or even Henry's son."

Tears bedecked her youthful face,
And glistened in the light;
John the Squire, as she had hoped,
Had done her favour right.

"Nay!" the humble squire cried,
"This word is not so true!
How could I, the meanest squire,
Perform the deeds they do?"

"Hush!" It was a firm command;
"I'll hear these lies no more; 
Kneel before me, Squire John,
A knight shall leave the door."

Down before the queen he knelt,
He pledged his knighthood true;
Swore her ev'ry small command
With cheerful heart to do.

From his side she drew his sword,
She struck the accolade;
"Thus the greatest knight," she said,
"Is from a squire made."

From her hand the sword did fall,
It clashed upon a stone:
"John, if battle claimed thy life,
How could I be alone?"

"God has prospered all my ways;
My Queen, I praythee, cease!
Soon these wars shall claim our foes,
And Britain be in peace."

Faith remained there by her throne,
With light upon her hair;
Not one maid of Camelot
Was even half so fair.

"God be with thee evermore,"
She bravely said at last;
"Guard and keep thee from the foe
Until the very last."

John the Knight farewell did bid,
And swiftly rode away:
When the wars were hammered out,
He'd be a king in May.


  For the Famous Art contest. Inspired by the painting "The Accolade" -1901 by Edmund Blair Leighton.

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Constance La France May 15, 2015 at 3:40 PM Isaiah, congratulations on having this wonderfully written poem selected as a Feature Poem of the Week, it is obvious the work you put into creating this beauty, 7

David Alan Garrick May 15, 2015 at 6:46 AM I really enjoyed your poem, Isaiah.I only wish I could write that well.

Skat A May 10, 2015 at 10:29 AM Isaiah :) Congratulations on having your poem featured this Mothers Day. SKAT love

Connie Gildersleeve February 10, 2013 at 8:01 AM A big congrats on your win Isaiah. Well done. Warm Smiles, Connie

Poet Destroyer A February 8, 2013 at 8:43 PM Isaiah, :-) Congratulations with your wonderful win in Heather's "Famous Art" poetry contest. *Goodnight~LINDA

Seren Roberts February 8, 2013 at 7:45 PM Nice read Isaiah.....Seren

Roy Jerden February 8, 2013 at 6:53 PM Now this is the kind of poetry I really like Isaiah! Congratulations! BTW, in order to see all your notes, you might want to add a font size tag in the HTML to make it fit on the screen. Now, I'm off to read your other work! Cheers, Roy.

Carrie Richards February 8, 2013 at 1:36 PM Wow........you have told a powerful story.....one can visualize the painting perfectly! Congratulations!

Heather Ober February 8, 2013 at 12:22 PM Isaiah, I LOVED reading this one! It reminds me so much of Tennyson's poetry - perfect for the subject of the painting you chose to describe. As always, your rhythm and rhyme are flawless. Congratulations on your win in my contest!

Richard Lamoureux January 22, 2013 at 6:47 PM Hey Isaiah, going to my favorites. Stunning piece, you are very talented. I enjoyed about the poem as well. Puts things into context. I entered your contest (no name attached, will be intresting to see if you recognize my style.) have a good night young Knight!