Poetry Visualized - ORFEO AND ETAIN 18

ORFEO AND ETAIN 18

lxxi And when the Steward held the harp he cried, "How did you get it? Please, I have to know!" Etain then answered him, "Sir, once I spied At noon a sloe-black raven hovering low Above a fallow field. I dared to go To see what food it sought. There on the ground I saw a minstrel lying dead and though I do not play, I took the harp I'd found And sold it to this man, who said he liked the sound." lxxii The Steward swooned. They saved him from his fall. When he awoke the King-in-hiding said, "If I were he who once was young and tall And loved this land, but from its borders fled In sorrow, having lost the one I'd wed; If I were he who dreamt of Faerielande And tricked their King whose prey we think are dead And won a wish to give our Queen a hand In her escape, if I were he who also planned lxxiii "A test to judge the candor in your voice, If he, I'd say 'The next King you should be.' But Steward, hark! Had I heard you rejoice To learn the fate of Orfeo, I'd see You pitched out of the gate and watch you flee. For being true, friend, this belongs to you." The Steward started when he saw the key. His eyes met his. His long lost friend he knew. He handed him the crown. "Then this belongs to you." lxxiv The other beggar said, "If I were she Who'd raised my brother's son as mine instead; If she who'd saved a sailor from the sea And nurtured him until he shared my bed, But then felt bound; so with the Banshee fled To learn her ways. If she who now can view No condescension in the man she'd wed, If I were she, I'd say, 'I'm proud of you, My nephew, even in these trials your love is true.'" lxxv The Steward strained to see that beggar's eyes. Etain he saw! His joy swelled greater still. "Oh, nephew, please forgive these foolish lies We've told you. When I saw the land so ill I worried, dreaded too. Three years can fill One's heart with doubt." "Oh, what a great relief To see you home!" he said. "We've had no will To live. We've missed you so! The bitter grief We've known pervaded every seed and bud and leaf." lxxvi Etain and Orfeo were crowned and wed Again. (The farmers laughed, the maidens cried). Alone they often worked, but shared their bed. Her wisdom soon transformed the countryside. He never interfered with her or tried To help unasked-for, which appeased her fears, But grafts and ravens he could not abide! Together they lived long and without tears. And after them the Steward ruled for twenty years. lxxvii That's all there is. I know, my friend, it's late. Your ears are sore! But if you're wise you'll see They needed no disguises at the gate If Orfeo still had the Steward's key. That boatman's helmet I forgot, not he! To call myself a minstrel is a sin. Oh, please accept this poor apology. I do not ever hope your hearts to win, But if I've pleased you any, may I see a grin?