The Devourer
Hwaet!
Oft scops striking harps have lauded that land
granted grace and goodness yclept Armorica
where all folk fared well daring to do full
fairly, unbefouled by basest desires
for feofdom over mannen and wyffen both
wrapt up in sour annoy and likewise beset
by dire dreams of gains ill-got by lying guile.
In no wise will I pour out praise upon
him who scorned all sooth and betrayed the leal
of his landesmen, casting down the crown
won by brotherhood and selling it for gain.
No bold warrior he, caitiff and coward be
he called by truly brave men who went to wars.
Unjust those wars were, sooth to say, but soldiers
waged them nonetheless. Many of them fell
down to death’s domain whence no one returns.
Theirs was not the blame for the fights they fought,
but rather, that of Maga Drumpfel, so
fools oft have him hailed, fair of hair alone,
and e’en that hair was false. Demon of deceit,
Braggart and bully, toward ladies lustful,
no protector true but predaciously
prone to ruthless rape, although his tool was
less than full manly. Molester, mauler,
braggart and bully, toward ladies lustful,
no protector true but predaciously
prone to ruthless rape, although his tool was
less than full manly. molester, mauler,
braggart and bully, vaunting above all
his value, albeit his riches rose from
cheating and stealing, never worthy work.
Woe, Armorica! A monster was made
Your lord and master by wittolds and dolts
who reck not their own rede as they do tread
the primrose path of their own despoiling.
their own despoiling. Natheless, nears a knicht
bent on beating back the deorke nicht
cloaking the country in miasmal murk
so that sun might rise, warming the worlde.
Ne thrall ne thief he this worthy warrior
but man of honour held high, sworn sacred.
In the high seat placed by complete accord
of honest people whose voices agreed
withouten wrangle that Biden of Eire,
honour to his name, should become the first
among equals, sit in oval office
where high purposes are proposed and planned
and pursued, if all counsellors concur.
So the realm rested at peace, and prospered.
Then was greedy-guts hauled from high office
he never deserved, haled before judges
who proclaimed his guilt in every
case charged against him, heedless of his howls
and threats of vengeance. To prison may he
go to rot unseen, is my profoundest
prayer, but I ken clear that he’s a wily-
pie, and wot, alas, that he may strut free.
May heaven above forfend such dreadful
hap, so foul Drumpfel may die in durance
vile, and so an end to all his doings.
So sing I!