Guinevere’s bed

A poem based upon Merlin’s advice to King Arthur not to marry Guinevere, warning him that she would prove unfaithful bringing Camelot to ruin.

 

 

Shall a pale shadow,

and she a ghost, a phantom

cost so valiant a king,

whose heart will hold by the promise,

and break it with beguiling.

She will betray you with her kiss.

*

Arms that will hold you,

eyes that have encaptured your own,

in another’s arms entwined

making warm with passion the place,

where is no promise to bind,

sweetly dying in the embrace.

*

Chivalry begone,

with chasing from the kingdom,

Camlan’s field will be the site.

The question Guinevere shall pose,

wild the cherry she will bite,

will bitter you too in the throes.

*

Was it  Caliburn

taken up for the kingdom

that had brought the victory?

or was it honour which prevailed?

the true cause we may now see,

then cast away the sword that failed.

*

Oh Valiant heart!

will be for a shadow pale

pierced through with lady’s arrow,

when she has made you cuckold

then Albion’s race shall know

for Guinevere’s bed were they sold.

*

Mist that lays across

not only lake but the realm

now veils from our eye the view, 

that noble, which made you great.

 Then find your strength in virtue

victory shall not be late. 

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