THE MINSTREL

 

The ring around the moon tonight

Is rainbow-hued, and clear, and bright

Portends of snow ere to fly in the wind

And leave the vestiges of warmth

Soon unpinned

 

'Tis cold outside the castle wall

Our hearths waft heat inside the hall

Welcome sir, here, for thy chill to dispel

And please, impart to us thy tale

Please do tell

 

Minstrel, 'tis news do you bring?--

Or shall thee airs for us sing?

 

My good sir, well met, you and I

If thy lute for us, thou wouldst ply

And share thy tidings of travels and lore

Thy stay thereby with us

Thou hast earn'd therefore

 

And at our table shall thee dine

And I, myself, shall pour thy wine

Above the salt, where the minstrel should be

The finest of our victuals

Trencher'd for thee

 

For music brings forth such delight

It soothes the soul, and eases night

It speaks of things elsewise oft left unspoke

And so such tender mercies

Can it evoke

 

Minstrel, 'tis news do you bring?--

And shall thee airs for us sing?

 

'Tis cold outside the castle wall

The hearth is glowing in the hall

Welcome, sir, here for thy chill to dispel

And please, impart to us thy tale

Please do tell