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Amazon
Category:
Family
ISBN-10: 1413799442
Type: Fiction
Copyright: 2006
Majesty is a story of honor, kindness, dignity and truth,and an account of the greatness we all possess within.
Inasmuch, should knighthood one day vanish into the mist, may the gallant among you long persist. So, too, may the Majesty within forever shine as a guiding light and the courage of your convictions see you through the darkest night. May you demonstrate true kindness to people everywhere and may the story before you long be shared, for nobility rests not in robes or a crown; it lies in the path you choose to walk down.
May we forever share the Majesty abiding within.
www.majestythebook.com
As It Came To Be
With the impassive winter of my eleventh year, drawn out to the last by
ferocious March winds, a great, gray gentleman first came calling; introduced as
distant kin. He was my father’s great uncle and great he was, come to us from far off shores; a long sea voyage undertaken, soon after the world had been
explored.
His frame was large, as his heart was tender, and it seemed our friendship
would never end, for he took my heart from whence I knew him, as a loving
hand he did extend. Inasmuch as we were both great dreamers, I sat by his side
through nor’east gales, and in as long as he was willing to tell them, I listened
spellbound to his wondrous tales. And grand they were, coming so freely,
spoken in musical, Celtic tones. I should never think to forget the sound,
heretofore quite unknown.
It was Portsmouth, near the sea, where I heard his stories and first shared his
rhymes; rich in detail, full and forthcoming, of knightly valor in ancient times; of the road to Carlisle and the country surrounding, expressed in a deep, lilting
refrain; 'twas hallowed ground, reverently remembered; 'twas the Ode to Good
Clac-gh-mab-enstane. And there, said he, great kings once gathered, along the road
to freedom’s call; duty well served in the name of justice, set out from the “Stone of Liberty.”
His recollections warmed that harsh season of my youth, as he taught me
why honor is its own reward. His reflections of a lifetime wavered naught, as he
pronounced his disdain for the untoward: “Notwithstanding the heights one
may attain, a clear conscience is ever the greater gain. Never forget, lad: Right is
right and true is true. And yet, some may hold with a differing view. Still, in the end as ever, the truth will out, just as faith dost conquer doubt, and I’ve faith aplenty, come such a day, you shall have journeyed an epic way!”
This he did oft times say to me, and I shall be grateful, eternally.
“'Twas recorded,” he did then also impart, “and you shall know it, entirely,
one day; though for now, son, remember each word is true, as Screven would
have it no less than that way.
Aye, set down it was by the former’s hand to a heady verse in a far off land—
the very same tale I’ve disclosed unto thee. Should you choose to be vigilant and take pains in the effort, what a lovely life’s calling the truth will be. But, lest ye speak your voice, son—none shall hear. Heed that one caution, laddie dear.”
Well, being a bit bewildered and somewhat mystified, I beheld a life’s calling
with curious regard. So I asked what he meant, though he deigned not comply,
and left me agape wondering why. But, after a short while, said he, knowingly:
“Time will tell, lad. That you may trust. Take relish in your youth, but grow up
when you must.”
In any event, upon reflecting, it would surely seem there is nothing stronger
than the power of truth, insofar as it will forever endure. And yet, not so the
bearer, for, in this life, we live our given days and then no more..
So, on that day when he came to us no longer, I found a note addressed by
his hand, within it a verse of great conviction and a map of far off, distant lands. As he would have wished, I shall share it with you—appearing now, as first read—the direction, therein, worthy of living, along the path on which he was led:
Through the cobbled streets of Abergavenny,
By clear running stream in the county of Gwent,
Bespoke gladdened hearts, as they were many,
From the cliffs of Devon to the forests of Kent
That a man had ascended the road to the throne
Who would stand among legions or by virtue alone;
Who upheld the tradition of scepter and sword
Though he lived by his insight, his honor, his word.
And as the cheering rang out o’er Caernarvon’s great walls,
Didst gladness resound through Glamorgan’s long halls,
While they thronged along alleys, inlets, and banks
And jostled amidst the tumultuous ranks
Till no space was left nor feeling unfelt;
From deference they bowed and in tribute they knelt;
To see him and touch him and share in a smile;
Thence, after he’d passed, would linger, awhile,
To muse and reflect and stand tall in the hour,
For, ’twas clear: well he knew the limits of power.
And from them he felt pride in their love, richly earned;
And from him was it warm and nobly returned;
And beacons of hope in their eyes once more burned,
As, together in kinship, the lesson was learned
That never was Majesty simply a word,
Nor title, by men, on another conferred,
But a God-given gift that’s a part of one’s soul,
Making truth his direction and ceaseless goal.
For, the honest heart of a good king knows
The triumph of spirit honor bestows,
That truth is strength and courage might,
So he acts, not to profit, but because it is Right.
On the coming of my twenty-first year I was given a gift, presented to me by
my father’s hand. He said, “Son, I’ve watched with pride unbounded as you havegrown, indeed, to become a fine man. This gift is for you, kept safe unto this day, held here from whence 'twas tucked safely away.
Guard it well ’til itfinds its proper place, then, as it was meant, those many years ago—share the treasurewith people of grace.”
Well, I opened the parcel with slow anticipation, trussed up as it was in
leather bindings, and grew weak in the limbs presently, at the prospect of great
treasure there finding. Yet, just how great I still knew not, till I loosed the wraps
to look inside, and was shaken the more by a familiar hand on a parchment
note—thus inscribed:
“Aye, Laddie, ’tis the journal of Screven; no less than the original one;
the book of Clac-gh-mabenstane, freely given, and I trust your journey
has just begun. I came upon it quite unexpectedly, as it was well hidden
and presumed to be lost; though, in his wisdom, King Edward didst
preserve the truth, against all cost.
Yet, had I not long tarried in the exploration, would it never have been
uncovered, but, I was certain of my bearings and so sure it was there, that alas
it was discovered. Take it now and offer it to others that the tale will forever
endure. In the way it was written, let it be read; and, oh yes lad, the book is yours.
Aye! Take it to heart and care for it always, for ’tis a prize of lasting worth.
Share it then, throughout your days, that honor shan’t perish from the earth;
for, sometimes do legends shade the truth and oft times descend into myth;
yet, now that you’ve passed through the days of your youth, you must see
the true telling long persist.
And yea, have I loved you lad, loved you deep; for, just as we’re judged by
company we keep, yours was as fine as ever I’ve known; could nay have loved you
better, had you been me own.”
Well, I heard his voice as if he were near, though he had gone almost ten years
ago; and, having just read them, the words rang clear, as I wondered out loud:
could this be so? And yes, that it was in this gift given me, so weatherworn from
antiquity; the ancient book all written in verse, as he’d insisted it was from the
first.
When the volume came open it fell to a page, on which my eye did properly
engage:
Nobility lies not in robes or a crown.
It lies in the path you choose to walk down.
Follow the right road, in all that you do
And goodness will, verily, return unto you,
For there is no end to what you may achieve
If you hold fast your dreams and ne’er cease to believe.”
Screven
And, I do believe, as I hope you shall too!
So, thanks be to the traveler who once journeyed here,
For those warm winter days spent wrapped in good cheer;
And a gracious thanks for the truth, freely given,
By the pen in hand of the long passed Sir Screven.
And, may this now stand in tribute, forever more,
To lessons learned from ancient lore.
A Short Word About the Very Scribe
What follows is the truthful and courageous account of Sir Screven, the
famed Sterlingshire scribe. By his choice he pursued the virtues recalled herein,
on behalf of families and children, everywhere; spoken from the heart, as a man
of conscience.
It was the belief to which he steadfastly held, that only through faith and the
love of family, can we endure troubled times; and it was his hope that by bringing
to light the fundamental goodness of mankind, his work would stand as a
monument to the strength of the human spirit, as to the gift of grace.
The journal of Screven is presented to you then, dear readers, in its entirety,
as tribute to the enduring power of the written word and to his unyielding belief
in the essence of truth.
It is offered in the name of children, for they are the future, barely begun. It
is set forth in faith; faith born of belief, for, as we believe, so shall we succeed.
It was related in humility, for, as we are humble so may we attain greatness; and
it is remembered for the sake of the courageous, insomuch as bravery does not
come of being unafraid; but rather—those who are brave face their fears, and go
on just the same.
Dedicated was Screven to the tale’s true telling; devoted was he to the
sanctity of life. Unending was the sheer resoluteness of the man; unbending
from the time the adventure first began; and, if knighthood should one day
vanish into the mist, may the gallant among you long persist.
So, too, may the majesty within forever shine as a guiding light,
And the courage of your convictions see you through the darkest night.
May you demonstrate true kindness to people, everywhere,
And, with good fortune, may the story before you long be shared.
A Preface by the Hand of the Very Scribe
Dear Readers,
In preparing the draft, it has come upon me
That amid both the joy and travail,
Some things in life are not as they appear,
Often, concealed stealthily.
Still, in the end, the truth shall persevere,
For, it shan’t long stand to be veiled;
So do I venture, humbly offering to thee:
At first glance, what appears a fairytale
Might well turn out, differently.
In that regard: Are we apt to depart as we first arrive?
Do many among us lead fairytale lives?
I should think not, nor suppose would thee,
For, such is not the reality.
No, beginnings and endings will vary, it’s true,
As living dost likely provide that they do,
When, side by side, ere exist good and evil
Contending for the hearts of everyday people.
Hence, in the story to follow, verily quoth,
You shall come to meet them both;
‘Twas elected, you see, when first set about
To present the whole truth, leaving nothing out.
Didst we not, were that we had
Brought to light the good and the bad,
For, only in so doing, my friends, would you
Be accorded the liberty of considering the two.
And, could we not, dear sisters and brothers,
Recognize one without knowing the other.
But then, if given the choice, I’m certain that you
Would seek out the proper course to pursue.
So, apprise you we shall, entirely;
Leaving its regard to your sense of propriety.
I pray thee, then, peace and justice prevail,
Whilst praying thee, too, a fitting end to the tale,
And, for what e’er, in fact, you come to perceive,
May it be truth you choose to believe.
But, hearken first shall we, clear voices having bade:
Just peace dost derive from choices well made.
Harken ye, too, back with me, then,
For, during our lives, were we once all children;
And, children will learn by examples well set,
Lest, in our striving, we choose to forget
That which is good, betwixt and between
Those who would choose to be lowly and mean.
This being said, it hast been my great pleasure
To set forth the account, bound in full measure,
Having endeavored, withal, wherever able
To clearly distinguish between fact and fable.
Great the toil, yet greater the joy
Should one amongst you see fit to employ
The slightest bit that might have been learned;
The effort deemed worthy, and thereby affirmed;
And, if it dost evoke just a wee bit of thought,
Better still, as it shan’t be for naught.
Aye, the best have done I know to do
In presenting the journey, dear readers, to you.
Thus, as it was upon that day,
The tale’s telling is under way,
True as ever, by my oath under Heaven,
Bidding you peace,
Yours dutifully,
Screven
So It Was Written of Triumph and Joy
I
As it befell, in a time long past,
On a prospect high over yon riverbank
Looking out toward leeward call of the sea,
There happened a lovely princess fair,
By providence, verily, first to arrive.
Where, upon the riverbank,
Great joy of joys came to reside.
II
On the morn, as the fog presumed to lift,
A new day’s dawn brightening before,
Were all but glad tidings cast full adrift;
Clear of the sands on leeward shore.
Truly, a sunrise awaits each long night’s end,
As the course of fortune doth twist and wend.
And yea, all throughout the castle there,
Close within its sheltering fold,
Shone smiles of good comfort, bright all the more;
Bespreading warm faces in pleasance untold.
And, too, among the passersby
Were hearts so light as to take wing and fly.
Fairly then, did spirits soar,
Bounteous within the ranks,
As the sound of laughter rang from town square
O’er the Kingdom of Hope, ’neath promising skies.
And, great looming mountains arose on high
Above meadows green on every flank,
While the singing of larks carried in the air
On that marvelous day in late July.
Tidings of cheer, tidings ere long,
Giving rise to the spirits, giving voice to song;
All of a princess born of a queen,
There in the timeless town of Nye.
III
Well you might have asked yourselves why
Felicitude didst abide so in Nye;
Were souls united in jubilation;
Bound by triumph and exultation.
For, it mightn’t have always been that way,
Had not she hastened upon that day;
A mighty blessing from above,
When hearts were full with joy and love.
And, afar beyond that timeless town,
Cheered every village all around.
In Star and Candor, Biscoe and Troy
Were the streets long filled with love and joy.
In truth, throughout the timeless Realm,
In every carriage and at every helm
Was felt a newfound sense of pride
About the country, far and wide;
And, as you might imagine, the King and the Queen
Were as proud as they didst dare to dream.
And, as all the bells in the courtyard rang,
Of a singular voice, the province sang,
While, choirs of church bells joined the song
And the Angels in Heaven trilled along,
For, the little Princess Alicia Michelle,
By the Grace of God was loved so well.
IV
Yes, a Princess was born in the great state of Hope
There and then in the good town of Nye;
A Princess was born in God’s Kingdom of Hope,
By purest of favor, ‘neath a bright, clear blue sky.
And indeed, 'twas a day like none other before;
A day to live on forevermore,
As deep in their hearts, long had they known
By virtue would come a great heir to the throne.
Of Hope
I
The good people of Hope were thoughtful and smart;
Practiced in commerce and practiced in art.
They were hardy and happy, educated and strong,
Taking care to distinguish between right and wrong.
Reverent and determined, they stood resolute;
Time well spent in constructive pursuits.
Their lives were comfortable, their manner gracious;
Character strong; hearts courageous.
Thus, they raised good children, wise enough to be
Aware of life’s perils, and yet, carefree.
They loved their families and made happy homes;
No more content, had they been ivory domes.
Yes, the people of Nye, Candor, Biscoe and Troy
Knew the simplest pleasures bring the most joy;
Recognizing that love is of more worth…by far,
Than a mansion on Park Place, or pearls in a jar.
Parents understood, as they taught their youth
The intractable concepts of kindness and truth,
That those children would then grow up to be
Long enduring members of a just society;
And, one thing else to consider, dear readers:
The people of Hope had faith in their leaders.
Saving for the future, their kids went to college,
Well knowing the value of learning and knowledge.
And they chose not to argue, fuss or complain,
Avoiding the temptation to dwell on their pains;
For, as Screven’s account clearly reveals:
Their success confirmed their long held ideals,
In that, despite life’s anguish, disillusionment or grief
The people of Hope held firm in the belief
That this is a beautiful world filled with wondrous things
Awaiting us all with each new day life brings;
For, just as the blooms of spring bring rebirth,
Each day returns hope anew to the earth,
And the wise among us are able to see
The dawning of marvelous opportunities;
And, though aware that not everyone lives in this way,
They managed the integrity not to be swayed;
For the King and the Queen were good stewards, you see,
As they raised their Princess, likewise, to be.
They stood with their heads up, brave and tall;
They stood with their people, and were loved by them all.
King James and Queen Anne didst know very well
That the best for young Princess Alicia Michelle
Were the lessons of life in the joys of giving
And the priceless rewards of generous living;
And although there oft came grand gifts streaming in,
'Twas ne’er too soon for them to begin
To teach their child, in her heart to believe:
’Tis truly more blessed to give than receive.
Thus was she taught by her mother and dad
To enjoy modest treasures; to be thankful and glad;
For, to give is of greater account than to take,
If we practice the choices in life we ought make;
For, just as the truth remains invariable,
People of Hope are disposed to be charitable.
Well, the Princess grew up in this wondrous place,
With a happy heart and an angel’s face;
Shining with goodness and love, all the while;
Greeting each day with a song and a smile.
And she, like her countrymen, was well aware
That there are things in life for which we must prepare…
As in the brightest of skies, dark clouds may appear
And rain may yet fall on people of good cheer,
But those among us who persist in life
Are they who will rise above the strife…
Who hold their heads up on a cloudy day
And are somehow able to find their way.
Of Faith
I
Across the Great River so deep and so wide
Lay the Kingdom of Faith on the other side
And it just so happened alas and alack,
Lived a handsome young Prince there, whose name was Jack.
Now Faith, like Hope, was wondrous, too,
Rising in peace ‘neath the same sky of blue;
Sharing good fortune and heavenly pride
With every good neighbor on every side;
As the people of Faith took care to apply
The same standard of truth, as their brethren in Nye;
Strong in the knowledge, held by them all:
There will oft be days when rain must fall,
Yet, as was the certainty of coming showers
So, too, the faith it would nourish the flowers.
And truly, strength and forbearance shall always belong
To people on earth whose faith is strong.
So they lived their lives, in grateful reverence,
Tempered with mercy, emboldened by tolerance;
Thus, as a result of honor and a sense of propriety,
Faith, just as Hope, was a productive society.
II
In the Village of Devon there, perched high on a ledge,
Well up above the wide river’s edge,
On a gentle slope, affixed to a ridge
Stood a mystical castle overlooking a bridge…
Joining the people on both sides of the slope,
Living together in Faith and in Hope.
Yea, the Bridge of the Spirit, for ages gone by,
Had united the finest of Devon and Nye,
As people crossed freely to work and to play,
Radiant with light by night and by day.
And as fortune would have it, alas and alack,
It brought together, forever, Alicia and Jack.
And, as if by fortune come from above,
They fell quite deeply and truly in love;
And as days passed along, on into years,
Hence, their wishes brought newfound cheer
As Alicia and Jack were to be wed;
Bringing together their lands in good stead.
IV
In the Kingdom of Hope along to the west
With the future’s bright prospects amply blessed,
The night before the wedding day
The King and Queen were heard to say:
“We know you will teach your children most well,
Our precious young daughter, Alicia Michelle;
Forever and always, to your values be true,
And the best things will then be returned unto you.
Be strong and forthright, steady and calm;
When reaching to Heaven, hold up your palm.
Judge not the shortcomings of the miserable few;
Remember, dear, please—lest ye be judged, too.
Stand firm in your heartfelt convictions, and be
Ready to open your eyes wide and see
All that is good in this wonderful world,
As the cloth of your spirit shall be unfurled.
We love you, our darling daughter, so much.
There is tenderness, grace and peace in your touch.
More love than you’re given may you choose to give back,
As into our family, we welcome Prince Jack.”
And in the Kingdom of Faith away to the east
At a wonderfully marvelous wedding feast,
The night before the wedding day
The King and Queen were heard to say:
“Be of good conscience when the day is done,
Dear Prince Jack, our beloved young son.
For, nobility rests not in robes or a crown;
It lies in the path you choose to walk down.
Take the high road, therefore, in all you may do
And surely life’s fullness will come unto you.
Realize in your heart, son, the goodness in men;
Stand up for their rights once and again;
Have the grace to hold out your hand to those,
And yet, the wisdom to beware the less kindly disposed.
Know that the only true handicap is a poor attitude;
Instead, find forgiveness and show gratitude.
Shun the twin sins of gluttony and waste;
Avoid, at all cost, noise, chaos and haste.
And to all you encounter, show real compassion
For if you are able to live in this fashion,
And know very well these principles to be true,
You’ll be amazed by the fine things one can do.
We love you, our son, most fully and well
And shall cherish your new bride, Alicia Michelle.”
And they were married.
When they stepped outside as bride and groom,
How their light shone on that fine afternoon,
Brighter than bright, warmer than warm,
A family of nations, this day born.
]Two kingdoms united in Faith and in Hope,
The greatest in vision; the grandest in scope.
One kingdom for all, a kingdom as one,
A place where good people could stand in the sun.
A land built upon a stone foundation;
A solid footing, a unified nation;
A province where virtue would rule what was done;
A place where the future had barely begun.
So, coming together again, one and all,
They stood with their heads up, straight and tall;
And there followed a celebration as never before…
An outpouring of wishes for peace evermore;
A Prince and a Princess joined on that day
To stand together, come what may…
As under a glistening blanket of stars in the sky
That spread ever gently over Devon and Nye,
On a rolling sea of brilliant moonbeams
They sailed off together to find their Dreams.
And seeing them off all along the banks,
With expressions of love from amongst the ranks,
The people there gathered, felt certain they knew
That a fairytale wedding had just come true.
Excerpt
On the road to Carlyse there stands a monument to the strength of the human spirit, Clacgh-maben-stane, in the ancient Celtic way. And there, great kings once gathered, along the path of freedom's call; duty well served in the name of justice, set out from the Stone of Liberty. And there, our story first began.
The Journal of Screven is presented to you, in its entirety, dear readers, as tribute to the enduring power of written word, as to his unyielding belief in the essence of truth. It is offered in the name of children, for they are the future, barely begun; set forth in faith; faith born of belief, for as we believe so shall we succeed; related in humility, for as we are humble so may we attain greatness; and, it is remembered for the sake of the courageous, inasmuch as bravery does not come of being unafraid; but rather - those who are brave face their fears and go on just the same.
Inasmuch, should knighthood one day vanish into the mist, may the gallant among you long persist. So, too, may the Majesty within forever shine as a guiding light and the courage of your convictions see you through the darkest night. May you demonstrate true kindness to people everywhere and may the story before you long be shared, for nobility rests not in robes or a crown; it lies in the path you choose to walk down.
May we forever share the Majesty abiding within.
www.majestythebook.com
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