Lancelot and Elaine
Now is the evening of the day
Now slowly tolls the chapel bells
The ringing of the Angelus
Begins a solemn litany
From mournful lips of penitents
With distant sounds of chapel bells
The fisherman is called to shore
The shepherd back from the fields
The miller from his work to dine
Now is the evening of the day
The splendor of the setting sun
Plays on the blonde stone chapel wall
And on the heavy pillars too
In broken tones of rose and gold
Borne by the light passed through stained glass
From this comes forth the jeweled scene
The innocent Bath-Sheba sits
Prepared to bathe in her lithe pool
Undressed, but clothed in David's stare
His guilty gaze falls on her flesh
Robes her apple breasts and willow legs
With scarlet cloak of naked lust
Now is the evening of the day
The sun sets on the good and bad
Both saints and sinners feel it pass
As muted tones of grey and blue
Adorn the prophet Micah there
As owl and dragon stand with him
As he laments his nameless sins
Alone within the wilderness
With tear stained thoughts and mournful words
Now is the evening of the day
Now at the altar kneels the lost
A lonely penitent in prayer
Her guides, a row of marble saints
Their sorrowful eyes set on her
Five struggled sinners like herself
She kneels beseeching them for aid
The leftmost is Saint Monica
Her eyes are tears with sorrows full
Of bitter memories, her son
He was her cross and Christ's triumph
Saint Monica please pray for us
Saint Augustine stands on her right
The weight of sin still bares on him
His shoulders burdened from that life
The godless man turned man of God
Philosopher of Christ the King
Saint Augustine please pray for us
While in the center stands the pearl
The queen of heaven and of earth
A thousand sorrows pierced her heart
Her tears well for her blameless son
Who bore the blame for many men
Oh holy Mary, pray for us
And on her right, Saint Barbara
Whose beauty shines forth from the stone
With laughing eyes and flowing hair
That beauty was to be her ruin
That ruin, salvation in the end
She'd not renounce her faith in Christ
Though long her father threatened her
She would not yoke her will to his
At last he locked her in a tower
Until she met her risen king
Saint Barbara please pray for us
And on the right stands bold Saint George
The patron saint of this chapel's land
A sterling knight who boldly fought
And bravely slew the fierce dragon
He saved a princess from its claws
The king, her father, vowed reward
But coins and crowns Saint George spurned
He sought but one thing for the deed
Just that the people change their heart
Convert unto a faith in Christ
They found a greater treasure thus
Elaine the chapel's penitent
With mournful lips had said these words
Her child like prayers to childhood saints
Elaine would spend her evenings here
As dying daylight streaked her hair
And made it turn a lustrous gold
Her braids appeared as metal work
Cascading gold flowed down her back
Her eyes were like a sun set sea
The clear and calm that evening brings
The sparkle of the fading light
Were all brought forth in her blue eyes
Elaine was dressed in finery
Befitting to her princess state
With pearls set on her ears and throat
Her flowing gown of indigo
Still clutched and cloaked her gorgeous form
She wore a web of gossamer
Her crown, she wore by Saint Paul's ban
She seemed the portrait of a maid
And yet her belly's subtle swell
Revealed that she was maid no more
And though the prayers passed on her lips
Her heart was not in these words
Instead it dwelled upon her love
She loved the bold Sir Lancelot
Though he was now forever gone
His love for her had been too brief
But her love had remained profound
As constant as the stars of night
The threads of light which lovers wear
Not static shells, they change in time
(Though in their season they return)
But always hung in midnights sky
So was Elaine's heart always gone
Joined with her love at Camelot
She thought of nothing else but him
She saw him in Saint George's stead
She heard his voice play in the wind
She thought of him when she did walk
Beneath the pines to be alone
With but her thoughts of Lancelot
For he was handsome like the sun
That burned so bright in summer's days
It was that summer sun that shone
The day when she had first spied him
She had gone riding through the lands
Belonging to her father's house
He was the king of this north land
She rode upon her favorite mare
A lily horse with amber eyes
She placed her hands upon its neck
She rode side saddled as was taught
Her by her nurse, demure fashion
A train of handmaids followed her
They rode across the open plain
Through farmer's fields and to the trees
The apple orchard, then in bloom
The apple blossom's ivory
Twirled slowly on the summer's breeze
In gentle cycles to the ground
Within this storm of summer's snow
Elaine had spied a white stallion
That's tethered to an apple tree
She slowed her horse down to a walk
And drew up close to the lone horse
Beside the horse she saw a man
Asleep beneath the branch's shade
He seemed to hold a giant's height
His hair spun in the gentle breeze
Like flax flown by the threshers flail
His broad chest slowly rose and fell
In gentle breaths of deep repose
And yet his tunic creviced such
Which did betray his mammoth strength
Elaine had stopped when she saw him
Her mouth went dry as she did gasp
And lay her hand across her heart
Her maids had snuck behind her then
They aped her motions and all gasped
To see such vision lying there
Though they had seen many knights
In tournaments where they fought fierce
Or in their dreams where they loved dear
Never had they seen such a man
He seemed a lion in his sleep
Yet like a flower of the field
So handsome was his countenance
Together they all crept away
And finally when they'd gone far
So they'd be out of his earshot
They all broke out in giggled words
Their voices rose up as a gale
Their chatter was of naught but him
They thought he was a noble knight
So lordly was his countenance
He must have been a knight errant
Who traveled through this barren land
To right the wrongs, protect the poor
And serve the lovely maid from harm
They rode back to the castle gate
Desire filled the hearts of all
Each went into her own daydream
Elaine imagined she was held
Locked in a tower, like her own
Her captor was a fierce ogre
His cruel minions were her guards
They stood with battle axes drawn
Preventing her escape from there
And stopping any rescue too
Or so they thought unto themselves
But in the distance dust rode up
At first on the horizons edge
As if a fog that rolled to shore
And swallowed whole an empty beach
It was the knight that she had seen
He wore a suit of armor now
His helmet did disguise his face
And yet Elaine knew it was he
She dreamt he was her champion
His horse stood still before the foe
And he lowered his lance to charge
He ran the wicked guardsmen down
The ogre came to challenge him
He held a hefty club in hand
Elaine began to tremble then
And wondered if her knight could win
Prevail against this stalwart fore
She saw no quiver in his form
No shudder of fear passed through him
Elaine's heart raced as though a brook
Cascading down a sudden drop
He charged and with his vicious lance
Had caught the monster at the throat
The ogre crumpled in a heap
Elaine then felt her heart well up
And overflow with boundless love
As down he battered the heavy door
Then she was free and yet a slave
Her chains were not of iron made
Instead of thought and feeling wrought
As so she collapsed in his arms
And felt his strength surrounding her
He picked her up and carried her
Outside unto his waiting horse
Elaine had often daydreamed this
A thousand times she'd thought of it
In idle hours or late at night
When all the castle was asleep
Within the shelter of her room
But now her hero had a face
The visage of the knight she'd seen
As she retired to her room
To be alone with her desires
How sweet the swooning dreams of girls
How frustrating to have lost him
She cursed her lack of bravery
Were she but bold enough to wake
Her dreamt of knight beneath the tree
With cough or kiss, she blushed at that
Her dreams surpassed her modesty
And so she spent her idle hours
Until the subtle evening came
Her maids came to her chamber then
As breathless as if they had run
A distant race to bring her news
For gossip filled the palace halls
The servants whispered of a knight
As tall and fair as had been seen
With hair as blonde as fields of flax
And stronger than a team of mules
He's from the court of Camelot
And asked the king to lodge the night
Which, by the laws of chivalry
It was the duty of the king
To let him lodge within the walls
For as long as he needed to
Before he went forth on his quest.
Her father was a noble lord
And had fulfilled his duty there
Could not this stranger be their knight?
The handsome man who slept that day
Elaine dismissed the idle tale
As gossip spread by waggish tongue
Perhaps a footman heard the tale
From her hand maids and made a sport
To play upon their sweet desire
Yet hidden in her heart she hoped
The story would be proven true
She thought of nothing but the knight
And longed to see her unknown love
To know this knight as well she could
And so an endless hour passed
Before the time for dinner came
The banquet on the table lay
The fragrant carcasses of quail
As succulent spit roasted lamb
A river built of loaves or bread
A mountain of butter lay there too
A field of summer fruits spread out
In dazzling shades of black and red
Despite the bounty of the land
Lay out while wretched people starved
Elaine could find no appetite
The still life of the foods was dull
Instead a feast made for her eyes
She found before her that dreamt knight
Next to her father sat in flesh
She took her place away from him
Yet craned her neck to bring him near
She stared at him throughout the meal
As if a mystic in a trance
She gathered every word of his
And treasured it as golden coins
Are valued in a miser's hands
Her coin was called Sir Lancelot
He's from the court of Camelot
All ate and drank their fill that eve
(Except Elaine who could not sate
Her appetite for Lancelot)
They sat there through the setting sun
And crept on them the candle hours
The king pressed Lancelot to tell
A tale of his adventures to them
"Oh no" the knight said modestly
"I'm sure your nobles would not care
To hear a story so poor as mine
I am a knight, I've done my part
In service to my liege and lord"
The king replied "Sir Lancelot
Your name rings famous through the land
Your daring feats of arms renown
I do not wish to sleep, not yet
Tell us a tale of bravery
Or of romance to set the hearts
Of ladies aflame tonight
The Queen then served him with a scowl
For such an ill placed jibe as such
But Lancelot had smiled at that
And stood up from his honored place.
"Some years ago, when spring first bloomed
I sallied forth, a knight errant
My cousin Lionel by my side
He'd recently been made a knight
And so he went to prove his strength
Sir Lionel had been raised as I
Beneath the waves; the turquoise court
Where lived the Lady of the Lake
So odd a place my boyhood home
That all the monster I've seen since
Have seemed but trifles when compared
Beneath the waves strange creatures dwell
And hold their business at her court
Ambassadors from distant lands
Would come to pay their rich respects
The goblin king, the fairy lords
Would make her gifts of gold and gems
The lady loves those baubles dear
For they'll not tarnish in the lake
Or rust until they're shadows black
As precious wood or silver will
Sometimes Queen Mab will pay a call
Arrayed in gossamer and silk
A train of fairies follow her
A thousand creatures all bizarre
I knew that Lionel would not quake
No matter what we came against
No dragon, giant, or dread foe
Would cause my cousins heart to quake
We went until midsummer's day
At noon I thought I'd take a nap
Beneath the shade of apple trees
Sir Lionel said he'd stay and watch
But when I woke I found him gone
And I was not beneath the sun
But on a mammoth four post bed
With mammoth flying canopy
And heavy spreads of colored wool
The floor was set with brilliant rugs
Ones woven by the infidel
The wealth of Persia, on the floor
In burning reds and sapphire blue
The chamber bathed in subtle scents
Of hyacinth and lavender
And on the maple paneled walls
Hung heavy woven tapestries
Of Cleopatra there enthralled
Held in the arms of Anthony
Embraced as lovers moved to kiss
But fettered in the moment's chains
Despite the rich, profuse display
I didn't find my arms or clothes
My armor and my horse were gone
I sat upright there in the bed
Unclothed but for the quilt on top
As I was in this confused state
The chamber door swung open hence
Four Queens entered the chamber next
As fresh and fair as any rose
The shortest moved in front of them
And smiled before addressing me
'Don't be afraid, Sir Lancelot
The four of us were riding by
When we saw you beneath a tree
Asleep without a guard in sight
The four of us were smitten then
So with the aid of sorcery
I carried you here in your sleep
And stripped you of your rude effects
To see your beauty blossom full'
A subtle smirk played on her lips
The jibe she laid amused her such
She cleared her throat and then went on
'Though all of us would love you dear
Yet sense dictates one can have you
So now I ask you to make your choice
Which queen shall be your mistress fair?
Who shall you serve, oh handsome knight?'
She pointed to one on her right
'This is the queen of Northern Wales
See how her body swells and curves
As womanly as you could want
With burnet hair and deep brown eyes
Would not your nights be sweet with her?'
The queen gave me a sweet shy smile
As natural as Eve she seemed
'Maybe you'd prefer Eastland's queen
This flaxen girl with rosy cheeks
See how her eyes sparkle like gems
She giggles like a morning thrush
Would she not bring you sweetest delight?'
That queen then gave a sudden laugh
Her hand moved to her crimson lips
She seemed as sweet as Mab herself
'Or she Queen of the Isles, so tall
She's every inch a regal queen
Imperious she bears herself
Would you not serve her joyously?
Her auburn hair and ruby lips
Will make men envy you much more'
That queen gave a gentle bow
As gracious as a queen should be
'Or would you rather me, I am
Morgan la Fay, you know my name
I am King Arthur's half-sister
I am petite, I know that's so
I cannot match in stature these
But still my heart is filled with love
I shall bring you much dear delight
If you would stoop to choose my hand'
If truth be told," broke Lancelot,
"Morgan la Fay was fairest there
She's short, but dark and beautiful
With jade like eyes and raven hair
I was bewildered at this speech
So wondrous made were all four queens
Morgan had done them justice there
When she had called them beautiful
A field of flowers before me
And yet I dared not pluck but one
'Fair Queen' I said, 'I thank you dears
For many men who'd kill for this
To see this banquet set for him
But well you know I cannot dine
For minstrels' songs tell of my love
Of Guinevere, my liege's wife
I'll love no other, only her
I'll give no kisses but to her
Away from her I'll sleep alone
If Aphrodite came to me
And offered herself here and now
I'd tell her 'no' for Guinevere
Her love is more to me than gold
Then all the pearls sunk in the sea
I value her caress more dear
Than any trove of jewels or gems
Though beautiful you women are
I shall not sacrifice her love'
Morgan, it's said, is like a rose
A gorgeous thing with wicked thorns
Just touch her and you'll feel her sting
Spurn her and she shall lash you harsh.
'You fool' she spat in rage at me
'To sacrifice all of our loves
For your adulterous deceit
Your liege's wife, how noble you
Such deeds in service to your king
You serve him with lances thrusts
What knight shall save the king from you?
I am a sorceress, you know
You'll not escape these castle walls
You'll spend your lonely days in here
With your chaste honor still in tact
Dream of the love you could have known
For dreams shall be your only friend'
Her fury grew and spread as flames
The other queens backed slow away
Until she spun and bared her claws
Then they all ran from the room
She stormed off in a wicked mood
And through the night I heard her rave
As she threw chairs and bottles hard
Against the wall I heard them break
She had become a tigress then
As anger took a hold of her
So I lay sleepless through the night
And thanked God I'd not chosen her
In time her temper's gale did die
And so I got moments of sleep
With the new day the servants came
And brought me breakfast, simple fare
But clothing was not brought to me
I draped myself the best I could
With blankets taken from the bed
I tried to look for means to leave
The windows would not budge an inch
The door was latched with unseen beam
It seemed that Morgan's Magic held
I was a prisoner in there
Three days I spent in that state
A miserable man, so bored
I sat and dreamt of Guinevere
Her visage made that prison sweet
And I would suffer all for her
On the third day, when it was noon,
The door creaked open to my shock
In snuck the Queen of Northern Wales
She blushed to see me in that state
The blanket couldn't conceal
As much as modesty dictates
'Oh Lancelot' she greeted me
'I know I've caused you misery
We did not know how deep your love
But when you spoke of Guinevere
I felt remorse, your lady sweet
She is so fortunate that queen
To have a constant lover, you
I cannot help but envy her
But I'll not cause her further grief
I've laid your armor in the hall
Your sword is slung there as well
Your horse is tethered at the gate
Go down the hall and to your right
Fly north unto my father's house
He shall be glad to welcome you
For he's at war with a dread knight
Sir Turquin, tyrant of his fief
Who wants to rule all Wales alone'
I swiftly donned my armor then
And took my wicked sword in hand
I looked out at the empty hall
And saw no one to stop my flight
Except the Queen of Northern Wales
Who appeared anxious as I turned to go
I spun and kissed her on the cheek
This simple kiss of thanks to her
Caused her to blush bright as a rose
I raced across the corridor
And felt her eyes fixed on my back
Till I turned right and down some steps
Where stood to huge and savage guards
Each gripped a vicious battle axe
I barely ducked when one swung down
I thrust on coming up and struck
He staggered backwards from the blow
And dropped his axe down at his side
The second one then snarled at me
I slashed by blade cross at his head
He blocked the blow with his axe shaft
And countered downward at my arm
I raised my sword and blocked the head
And charged into his open chest
He fell sprawled on the floor
His battle axe lay at my feet
I leapt over him to the gate
And jumped upon my horse to ride
I heard a horn blow from the keep
I raced out to the open road
No one pursued me, I was safe
But Morgan never truly sleeps
Her eyes see all throughout the land
I rode unto the North of Wales
Where Badermagus has his court
Four days I took the open road
Until I came upon a field
With knights preparing for a fray
I saw a standard, black as night
It did belong to dread Turquin
The standard on the other side
Was Northern Wales' yellow dragon
The knights of Turquin were a force
They're frightening to look upon
A hundred men rode with him
Their lances hung with black ribbons
The other side was few and small
A couple dozen men stood there
Their tattered armor in sore state
Their yellow ribbons fluttered slow
Their trembling hearts beat fast with fear
I rode up to their aged king
And cried 'King Bademagus, ho!
I am Sir Lancelot the bold
I'm from the court of Camelot
Your daughter saved me, I'll repay
My debt to her in full to you
Tarquin's hated through these lands
I'll serve him for his villainy'
With this I raised my lance
These knights did cheer after my speech
And I rode forward at their ranks
Tarquin rode forth in opposition
I dropped my lance and spurred my horse
My lance struck true upon his shield
And sent him flying back and down
He tumbled on the muddy field
I raised my lance and turned to face
The row of knights assembled there
Tarquin's retainers saw him sprawled
Unmoving in the grassy plain
Fear gripped their hearts, they turned and fled
King Bademagus and his knights
Gave chase unto their hated foe
We came upon their castle walls
And arrows fell like rain on us
But we had caught up to the knights
And entered through the gate behind
Demoralized and winded they
We cut some down in moments swift
The rest surrendered, held for gold
For ransom, they promised reward
But I found treasure greater still
Locked in the tower Lionel sat
He'd languished for a couple weeks
He told me as I lay asleep
Beneath the apple tree before
In what now seemed a distant age
Tarquin had rode to challenge him
Tarquin had bested him in fight
And dragged Sir Lionel to his keep
Where he had kept him prisoner
In hopes of raising ransom then
I was delighted to find him
So freed we sallied forth again
To seek adventure where it lay"
At that climax Sir Lancelot
Did raise his hand, his story done
And all the hall broke to applaud
So marvelous a tale as that
Elaine's hands beat together quick
To match the racing of her heart
For so she loved him for his tale
He showed a hero's bravery
His booming voice enraptured her
She loved the sound of every word
She thought of how that voice would sound
When whispered words of love it spoke
But in those thoughts her heart turned green
As wood that grows in early spring
Those words he would not speak to her
In Guinevere was his desire
How Elaine hated Guinevere
Whose poison tongue and honey smile
Had made a slave a Lancelot
Elaine sat down in deep despair
If only she could changer herself
To likeness of Queen Guinevere
In anger she took to her feet
And stormed out of the mammoth hall
To her parents embarrassment
They made apologies for her
Out to their hall of noble guests
Elaine came to her chamber thus
She was in a grievous state
So she began to pace her room
With hatred sworn for Guinevere
Her maids arrived in a short while
And saw their mistress in this storm
They looked among themselves concerned
And wondered what was wrong with her
"Oh mistress" spoke one of the girls
Named Bethany, she served Elaine
Since both of them were little girls
And so she knew her mistress's heart
"You'll behavior does not suit
A lady born of royal blood"
"A pox on that" spat back Elaine,
"What use is royal blood or courts
Or golden crowns or castles fair
All of those riches are but ash
That bring no happiness to me
I wish that I were beautiful"
She smiled sadly and then went on
"So beautiful that Lancelot
Would forget his loved Guinevere
And swear to spend his life with me
You've seen his strength, I've seen his heart
He showed that in his story here
Oh were I just like Guinevere
If only for a single night"
At these words Bethany did smile
And said "For one night then be Guinevere
I've skill with paint and powder such
That I can make you look like her
In darkness you'll meet Lancelot
Go to his room and with a kiss
You'll softly wake your handsome knight
In his confusion he'll believe
That you are Lady Guinevere"
Elaine was shocked but thought awhile
"But if the ruse is found by him
And he discovers I'm not she"
"He'll tell himself you're Guinevere
The moment that he feels your kiss
As you continue your caress
No force in heaven could dissuade
He will deceive himself in this
No matter what he knows is true."
"But how shall I be Guinevere?
Her hair is short and red, I'm told
While mine is long and golden blonde
My hips are slender and my breasts
Are not voluptuous like her"
"We've wigs and padding for this ruse"
Said Bethany with knowing smile
"We know how to deceive ourselves
To fool another is not hard"
Elaine then nodded her consent
And stood still as her maids did work
They dressed her in a green trousseau,
For Guinevere wore only green,
They found a wig of copper red
And tucked Elaine's hair underneath
With padding had her figure changed
Though none had seen Queen Guinevere
She'd been described by bards at court
They thought they'd done a passing job
Elaine would have her Lancelot
How still the night, how long the wait
For everyone to end their day
Footfalls echoed and whispers came
For ages till the midnight came
And there was silence throughout the place
How still the night how loud heart
As the princess snuck to the hall
What if she woke her parents then
And saw their loved daughter such?
She blushed in shame to think like this
And yet desire did quench her shame
But what if Lancelot asleep
Should shout out loud when he awoke
She'd be humiliated then
Apart from her beloved knight
And thrown out of her father's home
The midnight hour, she heard an owl
And within its mournful cry took heart
If she did not find courage now
She would cry mournful all her life
She crept across the empty hall
Crept past her parent's bedroom door
And to the room of Lancelot
Entered on tiptoes to his bed
And saw her love in silhouette
The moonlight made his features shine
He seemed a masculine vision
Broad-chested, handsome in his sleep
As virile as a stag in spring
She could have gazed for hours thus
Instead she bent down and her mouth
Met his within a sudden kiss
He groaned and then his eyes fluttered
And saw Elaine dressed as his queen.
"What Guinevere?" He asked confused
"Where am I?" as he looked around
"With me," Elaine replied sweetly
And kissed him strongly once again
His eyes closed tightly to his dream
And he responded ardently
With burning kisses of his own
"Oh Lancelot," whispered Elaine
"I've been so lonely since you left
I've dreamt of nothing but your touch
And how I feel wrapped in your arms."
"Sweet Guinevere," he sat and smiled
"I've felt that pain of loneliness
Each lass that I saw had your face
Each smile was like your smile, I thought
Until up close I saw that they
Were counterfeit's of your beauty
I've longed for nothing but your kiss
I've wanted naught but your embrace."
"Oh Lancelot," Elaine near tears
Cried as she threw herself at him
In hurried rush of loves embrace
Her gown fluttered to the floor
A butterfly beneath the moon
No padding hid her lithe figure
But Lancelot caressed her still
His fingers running through her hair
Had knocked her wig unto the floor
The pale light played on her long hair
And reveled in her golden locks
As did Lancelot with joy
In passion's kiss and passion's breath
He pulled her naked form to his
What color is the moon my love?
It's orange like a melon wedge
Suspended in the summer sky
What does the breeze feel like tonight?
It's gentle as a maiden's kiss
It's perfumed with the dew of sweet grass
What is the song of nightingales?
They sing of children's gentle dreams
I have long forgotten those
What color are the clouds at night?
They're dark and heavy like my thoughts
When you are gone a way
Do stars know they're my jewelry?
Do frogs know they're my orchestra?
And does the wind know that it sighs
The way I do when we're apart?
The melancholy thoughts of night
Give way upon Aurora's step
Elaine awoke with sunlight's kiss
And cheerful songs of the lark
Her smile, the sweetness borne of joy
From memory of passing night
She rolled her eyes to Lancelot
To gaze upon her loving knight
But saw no one else next to her
Nobody lying in the bed
But her, just her, she was alone
She sat upright with a panicked start
Not minding as the covers fell
Revealing her nude form to dawn
She searched around the room in haste
As if her lord were hidden there
Despair and shame coursed through her veins
She picked up the green gown and dressed
In hurried pace her hair askew
Her dress undone, she ran outside
Into the hall where her maids stood
"Oh mistress" Bethany in tears
"Your Lancelot has left this place
Before the dawn I saw him traipse
With caution step out of the room"
"He's gone" Elaine repeated this
"Did you not try to stay his flight?"
"I did" Bethany hung her head in shame.
"I said 'Your night was sweet, wasn't it?'
He said his heart was sworn before
And he'd love none but Queen Guinevere
'You knew Elaine,' I said to him
'Her ruse could not have fooled you long,
You knew she was not Guinevere
Lest you thought Guinevere had grown
More lithe and young since you last met'
In his anger he shoved me aside
A brutal shock from a beastly man
I stumbled to the cold stone floor
Then tears welled up in my eyes
And I began to cry for you
Your love was wasted on that knight
He's but a silver tongued rogue."
"No tears for me," Elaine smiled sad
"I've known the love of Lancelot
Queens of these lands envy me.
He's not a rogue, I am to blame
I am a vixen, I know it
I went to him so shamelessly
And now I'm shamed as I deserve"
Now endless pass the endless days
Before the altar, on her knees
Before the loom and tapestry
Often Elaine will reminisce
And think of her sweet Lancelot
He took a ribbon from her hair
A delicate blue band of hers
While she was fast asleep that night
A trophy of her tender love
As such a conqueror deserves
Elaine heard rumors of her bow
He wore it to a tournament
This shielded his identity
For Lancelot would no token wear
But those of Lady Guinevere
And so anonymous he won
There many jousts in the contest
He won the prize, a diamond brooch
That now was worn by Guinevere
Elaine had hoped that he'd return
But gone her love had gone away
And with the signs of life to come
Her parents hardly spoke to her
Nor would the servants give reply
Though often they'd talk when she had left
When they had thought she could not hear
Her only comfort was her maids
The understood their mistress's heart
No maid could look on Lancelot
And feel differently than Elaine
Beneath the visage of the Saints
She dwelt on unrequited love
The shadows in her chamber breathe
Her memories of Lancelot.