A Praise Poem for Seamus O'Caelligh
A Praise Poem for Seamus O’Caelligh
It is the custom of the Kingdom of An Tir that candidates for the peerage are preceeded into their Elevation Court by a herald reciting words of praise for their accomplishments, valor, service, and so on. This poem was written for the elevation of Viscount Seamus O’Caelligh to the Order of the Laurel, for his expertise in medieval and renaissance herbal and medical lore. Master Seamus is the author of Pustules, Pestilence and Pain: Tudor Treatments and Ailments of Henry VIII
Obedient to Your lawful summons, And ready to leave the ranks of the commons, To happy plaudits and resounding cheers, Seamus O’Cellaigh now appears.
Blessed with a quick and a ready wit His learning accomplished, a fully packed kit-- His pillbox is full, his fleam sharp and ready, His book is now finished, his hand is quite steady.
Proud son of the Summits, his skill is wide-famed And his face with golden locks is framed. His knowledge of plants is a little scary And some few know that his toes are hairy.
Born in Clogh Shiúrdáin (Cloughjordan), on the Emerald Isle He has lived in An Tir for quite a while. Youngest son of an elderly father An enormous estate did not him bother.
He makes his way with his skill and his mind His potions and tinctures are fully refined. His students are many, his volumes are varied, And his few mistakes have been quietly buried.
The Laurels are mighty, the Laurels are pretty, Their knowledge is great and their converse is witty. Their numbers, alas, are now incomplete, And you’ve summoned them all to kneel at your feet.
His procession is finished, and he now stands before you Ready to speak and to swear and adore you. Here to be Laureled -- a mighty fine felly-- I’m proud to present to you Seamus O’Caelligh!
