"Camelot shall set the pattern of chivalry
for all time." -- Merlin
1
The world was ruled by naked might.
The strong was always in the right.
The people lived in costant fright.
The weak could squeak but could not fight.
2
Main fort reigned with impunity.
Mon droit prevailed as policy.
Rules sorely lacked nobility.
There was chaos and anarchy.
3
That's why Merlin nursed Camelot
To magnify the force of truth.
Arthur summoned the noblest youth
That might to right might plight its troth.
4
Together labored sage and ward.
They forged a group of avant-garde.
ignoble acts, these to discard;
And noble deeds with praise reward.
5
Oh such a noble fellowship!
With aims so lofty and so deep!
The word they gave they meant to keep
E'en if the price might prove too steep!
6
Noblesse oblige -- their policy.
Good traits they built up constantly
Like mercy, truth and courtesy,
Courage and generosity.
7
They took the side of the oppressed.
They gave succor to the distresed.
They spoke fair words to the depressed.
King Arthur's subjects were impressed.
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11
That way they grew from strength to strength,
Enhancing Arthur's government.
Knights-errants from the court were sent
To right some wrong wither they went.
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25
And yet he was a soul of light
Who cared about what's wrong and right.
He deeply mourned Brittania's plight.
He sought to heal the realm's blight.
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35
And there was lordly Pellinore.
He almost killed the king of yore/
But loyalty he later swore
To him who held Excalibur.
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48
And may we mention Sir Gawain
Who vowed to back each Jill and Jane.
He sought the Holy Grail in vain;
The Mystic Rose he shall attain.
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59
And thus a grander destiny --
What Camelot was meant to be --
Was foiled by its dark Enemy,
The author of all infamy.
67
Ah, Camelot -- mysterious school!
Thy days are pined for by this fool!
I shall conjure thy every hall
Until thy form appear in full!
68
Thy trusty Code I shall uncurl!
Thy banners, too, I shall unfurl!
And with a sudden roar or snarl
To Arthur's foes a challenge hurl!
69
With Merlin (freed from Viviens' coops),
Past master of the trickster's ropes,
I shall aseemble all thy troops
To reignite this planet's hopes!
70
Wielding the sharpened Galatin,
I shall instruct each paladin:
In passive mode to quest akin,
The Mystic Rose to wait and win.
71
The Holy Grail, your quest and mine:
A body cupped for goals divine.
The Mystic Rose, a lovely sign
Of soul washed clean by sacred wine.
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87
O Camelot, joy of my heart!
Come once again nor soon depart!
Come with thy lessons to impart!
Come, take once more thy glorious part!
88
For this world needs a Camelot
And knights like my friend Launcelot
--Albeit revised, deeper in truth --
Should take once the sacred oath.
89
For as we sadly look around,
The same old scenes still abound
Which caused the sage and king to found
The knighthood of the Table Round.
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93
Though I am just a lowly bard,
I'll forge a group of avant garde:
Ignoble acts, these to discard;
And noble deeds with praise reward.
(TYPING TO BE CONTINUED...)