Long lengthening years
lost legends he told
Of honoring oaths to
allies of old
High-hearted and free
his harp in song raised
Warriors unvanquished,
their valor be praised!
Send out the summons,
sound the horn!
Clarion calls to duty
sworn
Fealty given, feel no
fear
Drawn out of darkness,
day's dawning is near
Forgotten were not
fast friendships of yore
In brotherhood bound
the arms that we bore
They now were in need,
the enemy nigh,
Ride now! O ride now! was our battle cry
Mounted the minstrel
on his steed
Father's sword sworn
to friends in need
Slung was his shield,
harp borne along
Warrior bard on the
wings of a song
Young was he in years,
in leg he was lame
His father forbade,
yet dreamed he of fame
"A warrior I am,
my duty is clear,
Hark the horns blowing,
how can I stay here?"
"Go then, O go
then, only son!
Ride and return with
battle won!
Pass through the dark
to greet the day!"
In the gloom gathered
he galloped away
Against foulest foes
unnumbered he fought
Surrounded, alone, his
allies he sought
Now cloven his shield,
and splintered his sword
Notes from his harp
heard in darkness abhorred
"Hear me, O hear
me, freedom's sons!
Brave hearts and bold,
your battle's won!
Voices in victory
valiant ring
Not for the darkness
shall I ever sing!"
Last notes from his
harp he bought with great pain
Unbent, unafraid,
unconquered was slain
And day's dawning
light about him shone gold
And on the harp that
his hands still did hold
Sing now, O sing now,
sound the horn!
Faithful in
friendship, fealty sworn
Let not the memory
ever die
Ride now! O ride now! is our battle cry
Copyright © 2006 by Hilla Hamasdohtor (Pamela A. Wolff)