And Now, a Brief Musical Interlude.

 (originally published 24th of May, 2007)

Hearken ye to my tale o gentles all,
Who seek to cleave to the wishes and whims of thy paramours.
Who, displaying an excess of zeal, do naught but court rejection,
And yet, by feigning indifference, do provoke base envy in its stead.

Very well, o sage, attend thy revels.
Fair maidens a’plenty in finest array.
A particular maid arouses thoughts most lecherous
And yet, like a buffoon, you mimic some figure of tapestry or fresco.
On the morrow, a most noble feast
With plentiful victuals, ‘pon which you dine most rapaciously
But then, the minstrels began to play, and a lively dance ensues.
However, you, like a glutton, have burst the seams of your breeches.
A young lady of aspect most pleasing to the attendant rakehells
Seats herself at thy side, and converses in a matter most pleasant,
Declares it to be her will and pleasure that you join her in the dance.
In that case, stout fellow, I must advise bold action.

Like some knight errant, you quest,
Seeking out some physic to ease thy solitude.
And yet, ye seek such in barren ditch and common tavern,
Wherein you encounter no visions of beauty,
But instead do court the attention of low bawds of aspect both noisome and base.
Thoughts of desolation and failure incline you t’wards
Taking up vows, and by doing so, exiling thyself,
Yet even the darkest night still must relent to dawn
So hold off thy futile monkish scourgings.
A new spectacle opens, and so you hearken forth to apprehend it
With no heed or regard for fees of attendance.
The candles dim as though in anticipation of the overture,
And in their waning flickerings, you espy a beauteous lass nearby.
Draped in gilded array, she greets you warmly,
And invites you to accompany her.
A request which you assent to without pause,
Which marks your actions as both bold and decisive.

That which you seek, you do yet possess. (reprise)
If you would but act boldly.

In the cities, the ladies do affect an aspect most pleasing.
The young scallawags make vulgar and frivolous comments so as to appear clever.
Uttering a witticism, the lady appears to find it amusing,
And yet, rejects out of hand any further congress.
For they are duplicitous; feigning disapproval,
While searching out a gentleman of noble means.
Without ready supplies of currency and a fine carriage,
You needs must find yourself alone.
Some the softer emotions entirely they eschew.
In the search for worldly wealth, they become naught but cold reason,
Abandoning thoughts of love for the opportunity of social advancement.
Seeking the air, to enhance their healthy appearance,
In order to entice and ensnare a nobleman of means.
And so you find yourself out of doors, and with all the outward appearance of wealth.
All of your possessions are yours by right,
And not by virtue of a quick knife or cunning hand.
A young maiden catches your eye with purpose.
Do not be slow in responding. Act boldly.

(Play, o musicians)

Lawrence, the brother of your boon comrade, Harald,
Seeks to wed in five days time,
And has invited your presence should you be able,
To perform the role of best man.
You assent, of course, and, girding your loins,
Attend the ceremony in your most noble raiment.
The bride’s appearance signals the start of the ceremony
And you feel a brief and unworthy pang of regret.
Your thoughts wander, and beget a twitch,
Which one of the attending bridesmaids misapprehends.
However, thinking you most pleasing to the eye, responds in kind.
This, you consider most fortunate, for she is a most buxom lass.
The revelries are joined in enthusiastic manner, accompanied by fine music.
‘Pon gazing at the young woman, you find yourself most entranced.
She invites you to accompany her.
Your decision is clear, stout yeoman. Act boldly.