The Angels Were Generous

A Lady Now

I was made a lady by Their Imperial Majesties, Dame Katherine and Sir Jehan, as one of their last acts before stepping down as Empress and Emperor of Adria in November, 1998. It was one of the first times I was ever called into court, and I was frightened half out of my wits.  What follows is my recollection of that event, what I heard, and what thoughts were going through my head at the time.

Herald, summon her to Us
        Ha! Ha! Ha! In trouble now!
We have something We would discuss
        Yeah! Go on up and take a bow!
Milady Maedb, will you come forth
        Who'd they call? Oh no. It's me!
Approach the Crowns and enter court?
        I can't go up. Too late. I'm seen.
For many months We've watched you play
        Remember kneel. Don't screw this up.
And now We take this chance to say,
        I can't recall. Did I foul up?
A joy it is to stand with you
        Did they said "joy"? My ears heard wrong.
To grant you honor and give you due
        Oh! Someone else up here belongs!
Long and hard you've always toiled
        That's not me. That's everyone.
Always cheerful, calm and loyal.
        It's part of playing. Just having fun.
An asset to the realm, my dear,
        Did she say "asset"? Or just plain "ass"?
Now all will know you far and near
        I know I goofed. 'Twas wrong to sass.
By this title you will be known
        A title? Great. Just what I feared.
A Lady come into your own
        What did she say? What did I hear?
We are sure all would agree
        I hope you're right. I hope they do.
A Lady of this realm you'll be
        A Lady? Me? It can't be true.
So rise and face your friends this night
        I cannot rise. My knees have failed.
Be acknowledged as is your right
        I'm going to faint. Oh, wait. Inhale.
Lady Maedb, you may withdraw
        Three steps back. I know I can.
Take with you Our pride in all
        I'm a Lady now? Oh man. Oh man.
And now, good Herald, We do proceed
        Ha! Ha! Ha! In trouble now!
There's more to say and more to see.
        Yeah! Go on up and take a bow!