The finest knight of legends told

Sir Gareth Nikodemos Somerset
fallen in Fall Crown Tourney A.S. XLIII

My Master is Sir Gareth the Bold,
The finest knight of legends told,
Skilled in war, in arts, in verse.
Breaks the blade of his enemies’ curse.
He rides the thunder and slays the stars.
His valour well compares with Mars.
And I am his servant—a fortunate man—
I shine his armour whenever I can.
I groom his horse and cook his stew
On campaign with him with heart most true.

Now to tourney Sir Gareth rides
With fair Ciar proud by his side.
No simpering damsel pale and faint,
But shield maid bold by her own main.
The day with birdsong dawns so bright
Heralding Sir Gareth’s might.
He’s sure to gain the throne today:
Undone three wake knots in the fray,
Caught the butterfly in iron nets.
He’s sure to win, I’ve given bets!
Her cannot lose, he’ll take the crown.
His towers or and rouge resound.
When he’s king, at court I’ll prance
And slay fair ladies by my glance.

As sloth came ambling “cross the field
Sir Gareth said,”I will not yield.
You cannot best me, by my right
For I am strong and filled with might.”
I cannot say what happened next.
But hap it did, and I am vexed.
How turned such strange event, how could?
When dust had settled, on man stood.
One man stood in victory.
My good Sir Gareth, ’twas not he!

Envoi--

To Domina Philippa these rhymes I tell,
And if they please her all is well.

— THL Catherine Aimeri de Winter

...is an early 12th century Anglo Saxon lady living in Northumbria. Fortunately her prosperous farm is way too far out in the middle of nowhere to interest her remote Norman neighbors very much. However, she does admit to a certain fondness for French poetry, dress, and wine.

Copyright

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