Hearken to Me, There S a Tale I Would Tell You

For Her I Dare He was strong of arm, and as fair as a summer sky Of love and of battle, of sorrow and grief The ideal of the Society is that love makes a man stronger, not weaker. In Of valor and favor, my tale I have told— Heark’ee, Thor of the Thunder! But the o'er -proud knight took no notice of him, defense of his lady, this man is willing to risk everything. This wisdom you hear from the lips of a king, We are not here for a jest— Save occasional sharp reproof That no deed done for love can be counted too bold! For wager, warfare, or plunder, Yet undaunted were his dreams of glory high. Hearken to me, there’s a tale I would tell you Or to put your power to test. Oh I have the heart of a warrior! Of love and of battle, of sorrow and grief I heeded not darkness, nor rain, nor the thunder This work is none of our wishing-- And although I be base-born, still I hope one day I'm sworn The deeds of a king, and the valor of comrades And any who’d doubt me, be wise, and beware! We would house at home if we might, To be a knight, and pledge my might to king and lord The favor of gods, and the fate of a thief. No force under heaven shall tear us asunder But our master is wrecked out fishing. For her, I dared! For her, I dared! We go to find him to-night. The knight was summoned by his Majesty Felled were her guardsmen like rot wood in winter To war in a distant land Boot-trampled earth told of how well they fought Words by Samantha Moore and Lisa Theriot For we hold that in all disaster-- On crusade, where honor and glory could be won. As each man lay lifeless I knelt and I swore Music by Samantha Moore As the Gods Themselves have said-- He journeyed forth on his battle steed, That the sacrifice given would not be for naught! © 2008, Raven Boy Music, ASCAP A Man must stand by his Master With his greatsword at his hand I heed not the warnings of rain and of thunder Till one of the two is dead. In his retinue of men, was the steward's son. I heed not the cries of my own panicked mare I heed not the tides that would tear us asunder That is our way of thinking, Oh I have the heart of a warrior! For her, I dare! Song of the Red War Boat Now you can do as you will, And full glad am I this morn, at his side, for I have sworn While we try to save her from sinking To serve my knight, so he may fight for his liege lord Sunk in a tree was a silver-chased dagger And hold her head to it still. Carved in the fashion of far Barbary Words by Rudyard Kipling, from “The Conversion of St. Wilfrid” Bale her and keep her moving, The battle fierce around them raged, (A.D.683), published in Rewards and Fairies, 1910. Hung from its blade was the pirate’s demand Or she'll break her back in the trough… And the press of men was hard; For a ransom in gold that our lady go free! Who said the weather's improving, The knight grew faint of heart, and fain would flee. Shove off from the wharf-edge! Steady! Or the swells are taking off? But as he turned his steed, Watch for a smooth! Give way! I am the blade, but by her I am tempered He found the path away was barred, If she feels the lop already Strong in her love, I’ve a deed to perform Sodden, and chafed and aching, And he fell from top his horse most cowardly. She'll stand on her head in the bay. Set well our sails in the wake of the pirates Gone in the loins and knees-- It's ebb--it's dusk--it's blowing— They are the shadow, but I am the storm! No matter--the day is breaking, For he had not the heart of a warrior, The shoals are a mile of white, And there's far less weight to the seas! And although he was high-born, But (snatch her along!) we're going I heed not the warnings of rain and of thunder Up mast, and finish baling-- yet that day he had forsworn To find our master tonight. I heed not the darkness, I will not despair! In oar, and out with mead-- To be a knight, denied his vow to King and lord I heed not the tides that would tear us asunder The rest will be two-reef sailing… For we hold that in all disaster For her, I dare! That was a night indeed! The steward's son leaped into the fray, Of shipwreck, storm, or sword, Ar-med only with his knife A Man must stand by his Master We put to the ocean in the swiftest of vessels But we hold it in all disaster And defiant stood 'tween his master and his foes. When once he has pledged his word. To sail on the Mediterranean Sea (And faith, we have found it true!) "Oh God above, unto you I pray, But too light our ships for the winds of the gale If only you stand by your Master, To protect my noble's life, Raging seas have we rowed in And the torrents of rain lashing mercilessly The Gods will stand by you! And to give me strength to withstand these many blows." But we seldom saw them thus, Our master is angry with Odin-- “Mercy!” I cried to the god of the ocean Words by Rudyard Kipling, published 1910 But I have the heart of a warrior! Odin is angry with us! And spoke of the beauty my lady possessed, Music by Leslie Fish And no matter I'm base born, for on this day have I sworn Heavy odds have we taken, How like the god’s own graceful daughters she seemed, © 1987, assigned to Random Factors, BMI To play the knight, and I must fight to save my lord. But never before such odds. And I offered my faith for his aid in my quest. The Gods know they are forsaken. The King rode out at the break of day, We must risk the wrath of the Gods! Thunderclouds parted, the sun lit the heavens, The Peasant Knight And his heart was full of woe, The sea turned to glass as we sighted our prey For His comrades dead, though a victory great was won. Over the crest she flies from, With the winds now behind us, we measured the distance He found the knight unharmed, Into its hollow she drops, Mistress Rosalind Jehanne wrote this fine song based on a story told by Soon their ships lay but a few leagues away! Lord Allen Garretson (February, 1995). Nobility is not the accident of Within a circle of slain foes Cringes and clears her eyes from your birth, but the force of your character. And cradled in his arms, was the steward's son. The wind-torn breaker-tops, “Now to your weapons, my men and companions! Ere out on the shrieking shoulder Now for this perfidy they shall atone! A young boy high on the battlements stood "Oh he has the heart of a warrior! Of a hill-high surge she drives. Leave not a man of the pirate’s crew standing, As he swept up the cold grey stones And although he is base born, Meet her! Meet her and hold her! The head of its captain I claim for my own!” And he gazed with delight at the lists, yet this day I'd have him sworn Pull for your scoundrel lives! where the banners flew To be a knight, for he would die to save his lord." I heed not the warnings of rain and of thunder Where the knights in bright armour were jousting there The thunders bellow and clamor I heed not the fury of bloody corsair! On their steeds of dapple and roan The King dubbed him upon the field, The harm that they mean to do! I heed not the tides that would tear us asunder And the archers drew up their longbows made of yew. "Arise, Sir Knight" said he There goes Thor's own Hammer For her, I dare! But the lad could not obey the King's command Cracking the dark in two! Oh I have the heart of a warrior! And with his dying breath he gave his oath of fealty Close! But the blow has missed her, Bright were the banners and loud were the cheers And although I am low-born, I hope one day I'll be sworn And he held the sword with the last touch of his hand Here comes the wind of the blow! The morning my lady returned to my hall To be a knight, so I can fight to serve my lord. Row or the squall'll twist her And bright is the temple I caused to be raised For he had the heart of a warrior! Broadside on to it!--Row! To the god and his power who heeded my call! The years passed by, and the steward's son But for men of women born, Grew into a comely youth comes the day the soul has sworn To take to flight, and dwell in sight of Heaven's lord. Wear the belt as a badge of your word, Words by Samantha Moore and Lisa Theriot Keep the gate bolted, our banner on high, Bear well the chain, for your oath is interred; Music by Samantha Moore And caution the sentries to keep a sharp eye! Hold fast to honor, as hard as it seems; They bore him aloft upon their shields © 2008, Raven Boy Music, ASCAP The men of this castle are sturdy and tough For you guard the halls of our dream; With the knight's sword by his side Folk of the Plaid We’re loyal and brave when the going is rough! For you guard the halls of this dream. CH And they buried him with the honours due his life. And evermore did the humbled knight, Captain, oh Captain, there’s trouble, I fear In a golden burnished sheath A song by Master Morric Haast of Trimaris. Our walls still stand firm, but I see no help near Words and music by William Ritchie Carry on his belt that old and rusted knife. Our storerooms are empty, down to the bare rock © 1996 or before, all rights reserved Ken ye the heart of the folk o’ the plaid? And the cook has just roasted your favorite hawk! Atlantian Steel May you have the heart of a warrior! Wonder as many of what they are made For they’re hard as the highlands and cold as Loch Moy And no matter how you're born, Keep the gate bolted, our banner on high Another song for Atlantia, this one designed for the army to sing while for on this day you have sworn The Scots hae a spirit, ye nae can destroy And spice well my goshawk that ne’er more shall fly! marching into battle. To be a knight, with honour bright for King and lord The men of this castle are sturdy and tough Born in the damp winds and raised in the hills We’re loyal and brave when the going is rough! Our might has been questioned by enemy blades For today you are reborn Those who reach manhood have iron-like wills And so we now stand here together As a knight, and you have worn For the reivers and the rovers and the brigands it's known Captain, oh Captain, there’s trouble, I fear Off in the distance our foemen await The golden chain, the belt of white, and silver sword. A Scotsman looks after his clan and his own The siege still continues, our peril is clear-- As we don our mail and our leather For though we have weapons in plenty, it’s true, Soon shall the field of this dark battle quake The last of the rats has been made into stew! Chorus: So it’s hey for the highlands, hello for the low And we then take arms in the fray Words and music by Jonna Davidson Leave a Scot breathing, he'll strike the last blow Soon shall our blades taste the blood of our foes © 1995, Jonna Davidson, all rights reserved Keep the gate bolted, our banner on high As the chieftain of England so angrily knows But first, heed the words I would say We will not surrender, though death may be nigh! The thistle bows not to the rose The men of this castle are sturdy and tough The thistle bows not to the rose Chorus: Argent and Azure We’re loyal and brave when the going is rough! Keep both your arm and your mind ever steady, Now French ladies charm with their glances and sighs Sharp as Atlantian steel. Captain, oh Captain, there’s trouble, I fear A song for Atlantia. But find ye a lassie with fire in her eyes Show them your arrows and blades. At the ready! The brewers have told me—we’ve run out of BEER! Scots girls are fiery, they’re long and their lean Show them your courage is real. I stand amid argent and azure And sharper of wit than a dirk it is keen And as they lay dying, food for the Crows, The sea and the sky parted soft by the foam Lower the drawbridge! Let them do their worst! Let them die fearing Atlantian blows! Yet sorrow’s companion, this pleasure We’re loyal and brave, except when we THIRST! For day breaks and I must take leave of my home Now loving the women's like juggling with knives Hold or Advance, but never retreat Though great is the love that I bear for this land Too many at once and they'll cut through your lies Show them the meaning of battle And parting brings heartache full sore Find ye but one lass and stay to her true Words and music by Heather Jones Heed not the voice that would herald defeat My will it is hardened by duty’s demand She'll fight at your back and share in all you do. CH © 1984, all rights reserved Drive them before you like cattle Proudly I’ll heed the drums calling to war. And let them drink deep from the chalice of death And let the draught flow bitter black Now some call us heartless and vicious and cruel I dwell in Atlantia’s splendor For any who challenge the rule of our King, A Scot’s a survivor and nobody's fool Belt and Chain And great is her wealth both in grace and in might Let us vow they shall never march back! CH We're branded through the ages as wagers of strife Her Queen crowned with beauty and honor Another by Master Morric Haast; this is a true SCA classic. Sometimes it takes a hard man to lead a hard life Her King ever bold in defense of the right A word to the foe with the wisdom to hear Be he squire or knight, be he peasant or peer The days are too fast, and the legends long past; Turn vessels of war from our homeland Humility’s servant he stands So we'll pipe till the blood sings and drink liquid fire! Yet some would dream of a place Be greeted as allies, be welcomed as friends An able companion, a brave volunteer, Watch where you tread lest you risk Scottish ire A place of goodwill, where beauty lies still But tempt not the ire of our strong hand! When maiden or mistress his service commands. Hark ye these words of the Macintosh clan A bastion of honor and grace; For if in your arrogance you would unfurl "Touch not the cat, without a gloved hand!" CH A bastion of honor and grace A standard of challenge on high, If chivalry shines before valor We'll send it back bloody, for no blackguard’s flag If courtesy stands as the purest acclaim The thistle bows not to the red English rose! Chorus: Will you wear the Belt and Chain Shall darken Atlantia’s sky! CH If the standard of goodness is honor That this dream may yet live again Then first among peers is Atlantia’s name Swear your heart to Chivalry's art So clad in our mail, to our weapons we cling Words and music by William Ritchie Swear your sword to our gain. Words by Samantha Moore and Lisa Theriot In treaty and friendship full sworn © 1996 or before, all rights reserved Music by Samantha Moore For love and for duty we follow our King Take the young lad and make him page © 2008, Raven Boy Music, ASCAP In aid of our allies we march on the morn. Teach the boy to come of age; Captain, Oh Captain Teach him fealty, service and truth I stand amid argent and azure Give him these gifts in his youth; Who Serve the Soldiers? With brothers in arms, for the battle arrayed Give him these gifts in full sooth. CH The might of our forces to measure Written by Mistress Tangwystyl verch Morgant Glasvryn. There just Dedicated to soldiers of every generation. And answer our kinsmen who’ve called for our aid aren’t enough funny war songs. Take the young man and make him squire; And though I must march with my back to the sea, Teach him arms to best his sire; Early one morn to the market I walked My gaze turned away from the tide, Captain, oh Captain, there’s trouble, I fear Teach him chivalry, strength without stain; A bonnet to buy for my hair I carry Atlantia’s colors with me, From over the hillside an army’s appeared For one day he'll take belt and chain; I passed a bold wastrel who called for a coin Her banners proclaiming our kingdom, our pride. The castle’s surrounded for more than a mile For one day he too will be chained. CH Of two I had, one I could spare Stand amid argent and azure… And it looks like they’re planning to stay for awhile. A charity thusly supplied was no sin Though he’d likely just waste it on wine We fearless northern men go Viking once again For Hengist has promised us land for our fighting I know there is much left unspoken Though no longer could I my bonnet afford To claim our fortunes or our graves. Land that the sons of the Saxons will hold! So heavy my burdens and heavy my heart A ribbon would do just as fine. To think that I leave your own broken To war! To war! We’re sailing off to war! Hasten, oh fyrdsmen, down to the river I pray that someday you may yet understand Chorus: We fight for glory, gold or King! Dragon ships come on the inflowing tide What duty and honor and Kingdom Who serve the soldiers who serve all the rest? The Danelaw calls, proclaiming our just cause, The linden wood shield and the old spear of ash wood Can mean for a man who has fought for this land The few and the brave and the best of the best The skalds in praise of glory sing! Are needed again by the cold waterside. In defense of his home and his freedom. CH In duty and honor and humility Draw up the shield wall, oh shoulder companions They’ve all given some, and some give all for thee. Across Northumberland they surrender to our band Later, whenever our story is told And agree to meet at Stamford Bridge They'll say that we died guarding what we hold dearest Words by Samantha Moore and Lisa Theriot Later a soldier who’d served at the war Yet with treaties to be signed, Land that the sons of the Saxons will hold! Music by Samantha Moore Took refuge with us for the night they do sudden change their mind © 2008, Raven Boy Music, ASCAP He entertained all with his tales of the front As Godwinson comes riding o’er the ridge Hasten, oh housecarles, north to the Danelaw He gained great esteem in my sight Harold Hardrada's come over the sea His quick wit defied any pain in his eyes To arms! To arms! Go cry out the alarm! His longships he's laden with baresarks from Norway His words held no hint of regret Form ranks, make you ready sword and shield! To gain Canute's crown, and our master to be. Track list: He’d sacrificed much, and he’d sacrificed more, Stand tall and strong and sing your battle songs Bitter he'll find here the bite of our spear points His one fear that we would forget. CH We’ll drive this foeman from the field! Hard ruling northman too strong to die old 1. For Her I Dare We'll grant him six feet, plus as much as he's taller 2. Song of the Red War Boat I offered the ribbon I’d purchased that day, For peace we weren’t prepared, Of land that the sons of the Saxons will hold! 3. The Peasant Knight Told him my favor he’d won, they have caught us unaware 4. Argent and Azure He said, “Good my lady, your kindness endures, Half our army back upon the shore Make haste, son of Godwine, southward from Stamford 5. Folk of the Plaid Of greater gifts, I have known none. With sounds of battle-glee we race to meet our enemy Triumph is sweet, and your men have fought hard 6. Captain, Oh Captain For I was the veteran who called for the coin, Yet our shield wall thunders under horse But William the Bastard has landed at Pevensey 7. Belt and Chain And though I must leave with the dawn, Burning the land you have promised to guard. 8. Atlantian Steel Please let your fine ribbon remind you of me, Reform! Reform! Heed the mighty battle horn! Draw up the spears on the hilltop at Hastings 9. Who Serve the Soldiers? Thus shall I ever live on.” CH Form ranks, make you ready sword and shield! Fight 'til the sun drops and evening grows cold 10. Hardrada’s Bane Stand tall and strong and sing your battle songs And die with the last of your Saxons around you 11. Song of the Shieldwall He left the next morn, and too soon I learned We’ll drive this foeman from the field! Holding the land you were given to hold! 12. I Am Able That he’d met his end on the field Defending his captain, my bold soldier fell, Out numbered three-to-one, yet we shall yield to none! In honor was borne on his shield Our fury doth quench the Saxon rage words and music by Debra Doyle and Melissa Williamson Each morning I rise and remember his words And as their army stalls, our great King Hardrada falls, © 1979, all rights reserved And all he so willingly gave And with him falls the Viking age! That fine yellow ribbon I braid in my hair, And another doth lie on his grave. We taste defeat, yet we shall not retreat! I Am Able We’ll die together with our King! Remember the soldiers who serve all the rest Oh, go and tell the glory of our tale! For Sir Forgal. The few and the brave and the best of the best Write songs for all your sons to sing! In duty and honor and humility You ask as if heartbroken why I must go They’ve all given some and some give all for thee. Oh, go and tell the glory of our tale! And that you know not is my failing Of how the Viking warriors lived! You doubt that a part of me bides with you though Let us serve the soldiers who serve all the rest Oh, and how we fought and died, With my King I am on the tide sailing. The few and the brave and the best of the best our shield brothers by our side, In life there is darkness though you’ve known but light In duty and honor and humility With Hardrada at the Stamford Bridge! Each day I must fight for that fable They’ve all given some and some give all for thee. My fealty once sworn to my king as a knight They’ve all given some and one gave all for me. To my oath binds my sword if I’m able Words and music by Robert Faircloth © Robert Faircloth, all rights reserved Chorus: And aye, I am able Words and music by Samantha Moore My mind it is sharp and my heart it is bold © 2008, Raven Boy Music, ASCAP Though older my body grows Song of the Shieldwall Each passing season shows That aye, I am still able.

Hardrada’s Bane And here’s the OTHER side, another SCA classic by Malkin Grey and Peregrine Wyndrider. You ask if my favor could better be bought Written by Hrothgar Thorgrimsson, this is a rousing pro-Viking number. By one of more strength or more beauty If some greater effort could better be wrought Hardrada calls to war away on Angland’s shore Hasten, oh sea steed, over the swan road To sway me from my sense of duty To claim his right upon the throne Foamy-necked ship o'er the froth of the sea I wish I could spare you the grief of your doubt But a greedy Saxon thane thinks to call himself a king Hengist has called us from Gotland and Friesia But wisdom and youth share no table And claim the Anglish crown his own. To Vortigern's country, his army to be. Though you curse a life you know nothing about We'll take our pay there in sweeter than silver With each step I give all I am able. CH Great Odin breathes the wind to fill the dragon’s wings We'll take our plunder in richer than gold We fly across the icy waves You whisper your fear as by dawn I depart