T’was not mine wish nor nine my desire,

 To fell a goodly man,

T’was alcohol and foolish pride

Made anger loose mine hand 

Yon field so calm, so placid,

Whence I stand a mocking fool,

Whilst this goodly man before me,

Stands ready for the duel, 

Tis in mine heart, mine deep regret,

 I did partake of wine,

Thence dishonour such a maiden fair,

 Not once but many times,

  Until at last her brother stood,

Before, as well he might,

To charge me to withdraw mine words,

 Elst face him here tonight,

 With just a word, apology,

 A life might well be saved,

But to mine pride and vanity,

 Mine life is too enslaved,

  So thus the weapons lay at hand,

The foil be mine choice,

 To duel against this goodly man,

 To back mine foolish voice,

 Tis many times I’ve played this scene,

 To hide mine own disgrace,

 And every time I’ve sent their souls,

 To dwell in yonder place,

  Nowst stands another fellow here,

 At this time he doth appoint,

 Perchance to die before his time,

 Upon my foil point,

 Thus thrust and parry, thrust again,

 Retreat a step and swipe,

 The seconds stand so close at hand,

 Dishonour pays it’s price,

  He steps to side thence back and fore,

 In perfect duelling stance,

 His feet so nimble yet so firm,

 As his blade before me danced,

 I parried thrust and blocked again,

 Tis true I tried mine best,

 But a better man doth wield a sword,

It’s point to pierce mine breast,

 Mine lifeblood flows from tunic torn,

 To stain the emerald grass,

Too late me thinks for more regret,

 Too soon mine life is past,

 Step forth and heed mine final words,

All thee with wine to share,

 The devils drink will kill us all,

 Beware mine friend beware.

 By S.E.Ralph..

 
 4-7-2001