[MR] In praise of the Queen's Spears

[Harold Feld]

Unto all who read these words, greetings from Mar Yaakov HaMizrachi, 
Poeta Atlantia.

This past Pennsic, the Queen's Spears performed a most prodigious feat 
of arms.  Three times they fought in the bridge battle, then changed 
into their rapier gear to fight in that war point as well.  Details can 
be found here: http://rapier.atlantia.sca.org/QueenSpears/

It was my privilege to write a poem from the Queen to the Spears to 
prepare them and inspire them for battle, and afterwards to record this 
memorable deed in a praise poem.  That all may know these deeds and do 
honor to this worthy company.

Yaakov


THE QUEEN’S CHARGE
Written on the occasion of the muster of the Queen’s Spears
at Pennsic XXXIII.  The Queen’s Spears fought in the three bridge
battles, then immediately shed their armor to fight in the rapier 
battle.
Before the Queen’s Spears went into battle, Her Majesty Padraigin read 
them this charge.

Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
My reputation I entrust to you.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.

Gold did not bring you here, My Own, nor fame.
For love you bear my spears of white and blue.
Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.

Beware, My Own, lest you put on me blame.
Do nothing which could make my heart know rue.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.

Take every blow that kills or leaves you lame.
Show courtesy in all you say or do.
Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.

For know, My Own, my honor is no game.
Protect it with your conduct clean and true.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.

So now go forth, My Own, and victory claim,
And all the world shall know when you are through.
Quen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.

Written by my hand, this 18th Day of August, A.S. XXXVIII
Mar Yaakov HaMirachi, Poeta Atlantia

IN PRAISE OF THE QUEEN’S SPEARS
Written on the occasion of the muster of the Queen’s Spears
at Pennsic XXXIII.  The Queen’s Spears fought in the three bridge
battles, then immediately shed their armor to fight in the rapier 
battle.

Queen’s Spears, you have fulfilled your oaths.  Stout heart
You showed in war, thrice answering the call.
Then, shedding armor, rushed to do your part
Within the rapier lists.  You did not fall
Or fail despite the heat and pain.  At start
Of every battle you were a wild hart,
Swift charging with your horns of white and blue.
And showing all your mettle, brave and true.

Though each of you his own arms proudly bore,
Padraigin’s banner hung from every spear.
You stood united, brothers to the core,
A rushing tide that filled your foes with fear,
Three weary battles fought, then tired and sore,
You kept your vow and raced to one more fight
For glory of the Queen and honor bright.

You took good blows, and thus avoided shame.
You fought for love and glory of the crown.
Oh brave Queen’s Spears, when duty called you came
And won Padraigin honor and renown.
Atlantians attend!  Hear now each name
And let vivats and joyous cheers resound:

Baron Alejandro Mateo Ramirez y Mendoza, Preboste, Captain
Jean Claude de Calais
Gerald of Tir-Y-Don
Baron Lloyd
Lord Gorm of Berra
Alexander Blood
Kynnyth Pyke
Fredrick Von Heinrich
Melchior Zum Gravem wolf
Nickolai Demitri Zhadanov Dolgurukova
Master Roland de Monteney
Alric the Mad
Stephen Bridewell

So let us ever praise and hold them dear
Who fought this day at Pennsic as Queen’s Spears.

Written by my hand, this 18th Day of August, A.S. XXXVIII
Mar Yaakov HaMirachi, Poeta Atlantia