A Preacher mounts a stone.
Peasants gather 'round him.
A Gentleman is nearby, on his horse,
and towers high above them!
PREACHER:
Brethren, I give you a message.
_________________________________
Their witless, unlettered gaze, forsooth;
They were hunted down like vermin;
Unconscious reason, right or wrong;
their lawless laws betrayed them!
__________________________________
PREACHER:
Look, you athwart yon sullen flats,
Thunder clouds are gatherin'.
It's black against a sheeted gray;
The storm is close upon them!
Oh! tell them queen of Heaven,
Watch here an hour and pray!
So gravely do I tell thee,
The Devil comes this way!
When Heaven is strong
No light shall be quenched,
Lest some quiet boldness
Will come for your defense.
Be keen and hasty brethren!
Thou fear'st not the dark!
Our path trends turning outward;
Together thou must embark!
GENTLEMAN (interrupting):
Oh my word! I knew not on't
Until this hour; gravely -
That Hell is stronger, having sworn,
I'll not sit by so knavely.
Pah! Before the blessed rood,
I'll seize a firebrand today -
Dare not enflame these peasants,
Sir! I'll brand you in this way!
PREACHER:
Heretic! There's danger in the wind!
My quarrel's sharp and deep you see,
Straight from the fount of right -
Food for fierce flames! So, let it be!
___________________________________
A peasant stepped forward.
___________________________________
PEASANT:
Well - I have no child, kin or friend -
Ay, to death my master sought.
Gladio qui utitur, peribit gladio.
I shall go rightly forth!
____________________________________
As matin bells were ringing,
all were struck quite dumb!
The road-side swelled with cheering;
The fumbling lectures done!
____________________________________
PREACHER (turning to the peasant):
Hail thee low-born! Nobly vowed!
Come fair, come foul be said;
Thou hast earned your spurs this day,
Ride upon his horse instead!
____________________________________
The Gentleman did not dismount;
His pride grew broad and firm.
Vanita vanitatum, omnia vanitas!
He turned from crossroads toward his home!
His burst of pride drew angry jeers;
The peasant body moving;
They struck him down, with grounded throat
To be their own avengers, soothing!
Ambuscading noble blood!
The peasants rose against him.
The lifting their brother on the horse,
A gentle stare passed between them!
____________________________________
PREACHER:
Right! My son,
Thou fear'st not!
For thee alone we quake.
So start him forth,
With grateful touch;
Leave the Devil in thy wake!
_____________________________________
And lift him out, they did indeed!
About the common air he passed them.
The peasant rode out forcefully:
God's eyes were justly on him!
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you recommend or rate the work highly...
Archaic English, my first love. So well spoken.I knew not the cause, nor virtue thereof, but I was ready to take up sword and banner. Masterfully done! I now, but tarry upon this page with words both broke and lame, for having read and found the thread; I now seek just cause, and thereby fame. F.E.Van Kirk
The second read through I decided to read aloud and put a lot of feeling in it. My grandparents, once again, think I have lost it...lol
This is awesome!
This is outstanding! Wow, I cannot say enough about this work. Everything is perfect, the message, the imagery, the rythem, excellent word choices. This is better than a 10.
Gregory,
This was an amazing tale, with a rythm and a scheme that enraptured my thoughts and kept me pinned to the story from beginning to end. It was a marvelous story, told so succintly. You're such an amazing author!
Welcome !
