trobaire.org

a collection of literature from poets, bards, songwriters, and skalds in the SCA

The Queen's Charge

Poem (Canso): 
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.
Queen’s Spears, you bear my banner and my name.
You bring me glory; never bring me shame.