The Heralding of Violante

In A.S. 50, Master Grim the Skald was the Herald for Countess Violante do Porto in the Ladies of the Rose Tournament. When she came in, bourne on a shield, this is what he spoke:

Now listen well	to this word-crafter
who brings tidings	of a bright lady –
deep-minded and deft,	daring in blade-strife,
Rose of the West,	regal and wise,
inspiring to all	in harsh spear-clash,
and friend of Viður –	Violante has come!
She brings a horde	of brave hus-carls,
both strong of arm	and able of mind.
Tall Duke Edward	East King three times
and hard of hand --	heavy his blows
Sir Matthew Moraveaous	Avdenmork, swift-footed
Tyr of shield-clash –	Tyger’s thanesman.
Godric hviti inn Ulfr	ferocious as the wolf,
Kennimathor Geirrson	great his sword-skill,
Tofi Jarnhefi	eager in sword-thyng.
She also brings	bold steel-wielders
with bright wound-fire	wind-fast and sharp –
Malcom Bowman	breast-piercing ogre
bold is his voice	but brutal his strikes.
Gregor the Tall	giver of wounds,
Thomas Monroe	tireless fighter,
and this glad word-smith	Grim the Skald.
Last but not least	of this Lady’s thanes
hurlers of flight-swifts	firers of bows –
Kobayashi Yutaka	armored master
deft with yumi	and dread his aim.
Cathain of Carolingia	keen-eyed and brave.
These hus-carls have come	with Countess Violante
to secure victory	for this valiant Rose.
To all who stand	in strife of swords
Against them beware –	your end is nigh!

© 2015 Dan Marsh